Animal Research

Getinge USA and Detach AB have formed a global strategic partnership to provide a complete solution for cage processing in biomedical research facilities. Combining Detach AB's technology with Getinge's cleaning and decontamination processes, the robotic system will perform safe and efficient cleaning, decontamination, bedding handling, and bottle processing. The cage management platform will reduce energy consumption and minimize allergen exposure for laboratory staff. 

The University of Saskatchewan opened the $140 million International Vaccine Center (InterVac) in Saskatoon in September of 2011. Designed by Smith Carter of Winnipeg, the 145,000-sf facility houses BSL-3 containment laboratories for infectious disease and vaccine research. Commissioning is expected to reach completion within five months and occupancy is expected in spring of 2012. InterVac will support research on pathogens including avian flu, SARS, West Nile virus, bovine tuberculosis, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

The Wistar Institute broke ground in September of 2011 on a $100 million biomedical research tower in Philadelphia. The seven-story, 89,700-sf facility will house five floors of research labs as well as meeting space and an auditorium. Designed by Ballinger, the project includes demolition of less than one third of Wistar’s existing 103,750-sf cancer research building and vivarium. 

The University of Guelph's Ontario Veterinary College is building an animal cancer research and treatment facility. The $15 million project will house a linear accelerator for advanced radiation therapy. The 12,000-sf center will include an animal hospital with surgical suites as well as research laboratories. Occupancy is expected in late fall of 2011. 

Indiana University will break ground in January of 2012 on a $20 million science and engineering facility in Indianapolis. Supporting programs in biomedical engineering, psychobiology, and renewable energy research, the addition will house a vivarium and several laboratories. General contractor Keystone Construction will use BIM technology in the delivery of the project. LEED Silver sustainable design certification will be sought for the project.

Novartis Animal Health Canada is initiating a $2.8 million expansion of its animal research facility in Victoria on Prince Edward Island. The project will support the creation of vaccines for salmon to prevent disease and control sea lice. The construction of new laboratories will reach completion in 2011 with additional office space to be built in 2012.

The $26.4 million Western Australia College of Agriculture - Harvey will open in 2013. Located in Wokalup, the project will include three teaching blocks, student housing, administrative offices, a library, a dining hall, a gymnasium, and a fully functional farm. The general contractor for the project is Perkins Builders. 

Lone Star College-Tomball will open the Veterinary Technology Building in August of 2011. Constructed as an addition to the existing Large Animal Facility, the two-story, 20,000-sf project provides a 124-seat lecture hall, vivarium facilities, canine runs, surgical suites, and a computer lab. LSC-Tomball will also open the three-story, 60,000-sf Health Science Building and the two-story, 30,000-sf Performing Arts Center for the fall semester of 2011.

The $21 million Memphis Specialized Operations Lab will be built in the UT-Baptist Research Park in Memphis, Tenn. The 25,000-sf facility will provide R&D space for biotechnology companies seeking FDA product approval. The lab was designed by Self Tucker Architects and will include a vivarium. 

AAALAC International’s Council on Accreditation has adopted six Position Statements to address several points in the 8th edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC 2011) that required interpretation for institutions participating in the accreditation program. The new Position Statements address:

Merck Animal Health broke ground in July of 2011 on an $18 million vaccine manufacturing expansion in Boxmeer in the Netherlands. The cGMP project will double available tissue culture space and will support accelerated production of veterinary vaccines. Completion is expected by early 2013.

Animal health company Laboratorios Hipra is planning to build a vaccine production laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Located in the Iowa State University Research Park, the facility will act as Laboratorios Hipra’s U.S. headquarters. Construction on the 100,000-sf project will begin in 2011 with production commencing in early 2013.

Preclinical contract research organization Toxikon is engaged in an expansion of its corporate headquarters in Bedford, Mass. The 12,000-sf project will provide additional vivarium and animal research space, including facilities for surgery, imaging, and monitoring of both small and large animals. The facility will support remote visualization of procedures to maximize research collaboration.

The University of Winnipeg opened the 155,000-sf Science Complex and Richardson College for the Environment in June of 2011. The $67 million project features 30 research and teaching labs, classrooms, offices, a vivarium, a digital media lab, and a rooftop greenhouse. The facility houses the departments of biology, chemistry, and environmental studies. LEED certification will be sought for the building, which includes a four-story atrium with nine living trees. Ground was broken on the project in November of 2008.

The University of Edinburgh opened the $97 million Roslin Institute in June of 2011. Designed by HDR Architecture, the center houses animal health research and education facilities including the Scottish Agricultural College and the Royal Veterinary School. The building reflects the shape of a chromosome with strands of offices interwoven with strands of laboratories, connected by conference rooms and interaction spaces. The facility includes a 250-seat auditorium, a library, and a freezer archive.