The university expands its research mission with Grand Challenges and CAMI buildings

By Kyra Berg, University Communications
Nov. 4, 2024
Artistic rendering of the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies and the surrounding area.

This rendering shows the seven-story, 200,000-square-foot Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies building, which will house research on the immunology of cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions.

Two research hubs at the University of Arizona marked major milestones in October, as work officially began on the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies and the ribbon was cut on the Grand Challenges Research Center.

Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies

The U of A Health Sciences broke ground on the Center for Advanced Molecular and Immunological Therapies building, also known as CAMI, on Oct. 30. CAMI, located on the Phoenix Bioscience Core in downtown Phoenix, will be a national biomedical research hub focusing on unraveling the complexities of the immunology of cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmune conditions. The $290 million building is expected to be completed in 2027.

"A strong life sciences innovation ecosystem is vital for Arizona's future, both for the health care our population will need and for the economic development opportunities necessary for the state to thrive," said University of Arizona President and University Distinguished Professor Suresh Garimella. "As the home to the Southwest's leading academic medical center, the University of Arizona is in the perfect position to lead the way, and CAMI is a vital part of this."

Fast Facts:

  • The seven-story, 200,000-square-foot building will be at the corner of Seventh and Fillmore streets, adjacent to the Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building that houses the College of Medicine – Phoenix.
  • This building will house research laboratories, a clinical suite where doctors can meet with study participants or perform procedures related to clinical trials, administrative and meeting spaces, and a garden and café.
  • Funding for the building, faculty chairs and research to be housed there came from sources including the Phoenix City Council ($20 million), the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors ($4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds), the office of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ($150 million), the Steele Foundation ($10 million gift) and Bruce and Patricia Bartlett ($3 million gift).
  • A University of Arizona Health Sciences-commissioned economic impact report estimates CAMI will attract more than 150 companies to greater Phoenix and create at least 7,500 new bioscience-related jobs and 13,000 supporting jobs, with a total economic impact of nearly $4 billion over 10 years, according to the report by the Tempe-based Rounds Consulting Group.
  • Find more information on the project in a story on the U of A News website.

Grand Challenges Research Building

The University of Arizona opened its Grand Challenges Research Building on Oct. 24, expanding the Meinel Optical Sciences building and the Center for Quantum Networks. The U of A broke ground on the $99 million project in fall 2021.

Aerial view of the Grand Challenges Research Building and the surrounding area.

The Grand Challenges Research Building, which connects to the Meinel Optical Sciences building and is home to facilities including the Center for Quantum Networks and the Space4 Center, was opened on Oct.24.

Arlene Islas/University Communications


"A building like this allows us to think about research in a very different way because we're bringing together many different sciences – from health to sound research – and creating an opportunity for really interesting, collaborative work," Elliott Cheu, interim senior vice president for research and innovation, said at the grand opening. "When you think about grand challenges, this is work that will require people from all disciplines to address major problems facing society."

Fast Facts:

Resources for the Media