A unique, state-of-the-art concept turned into a reality Tuesday, June 11, when the University at Albany opened the doors to its brand new biomedical technology development facility.
After three years of building the $9.4 million project, the RNA Institute at the University of Albany is ready to be the home of work on drug discovery, technology development and diagnostics. The 15,000-square-foot building will house 60 biomedical scientists, technicians and administrative employees in the north wing of the Life Science Research building on the university’s uptown campus.
The institute is set up to focus on RNA, or ribonucleic acid, which is a fundamental molecule that plays a vital role in all living organisms. Researchers will concentrate on treatments for viruses, infections and diseases including MRSA, Alzheimer’s, HIV/AIDS, ALS and some of the more difficult types of cancers.
Several university and state officials spoke before a large crowd at the unveiling of the new facility. The institute secured $32.7 million in combined public and private investments through state, federal, corporate and the university partners for the project, including $15.4 million in NYSUNY 2020 and University at Albany investments. NYSTAR matched $400,000 to the $5.4 million NIH American Recovery and Reinvestment Act construction award. The Capital Region Economic Development Council designated work on the facility as a priority project.
In 2012, the institute received a $2 million grant from Empire State Development as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. He also connected the new facility to his Tax-Free NY proposal, under which businesses located on and partnering with universities would operate tax-free.
“The ‘Tax-Free NY’ model will help the RNA Institute and similar centers across the state to take the next step in becoming economic hubs for innovation and commercialization, attracting new business and investment to Upstate New York,” Cuomo said in a statement.
Partnerships with global corporations have also been established, including computers provided by Dell, Inc., rare online molecular libraries and a student-venture program.
Congressman Paul Tonko called the new facility a “golden crown jewel for the campus at Albany.”
“What we’re delivering here, in my opinion, is hope: the greatest commodity that government can help inspire,” he said.
Inside the facility, natural lighting fills the labs. RNA Institute Director Paul F. Agris said the innovative building has moveable walls, a heat recovery system and will meet Silver LEED certification requirements for energy efficiency. Every surface of the facility, including the countertops and floors, can tolerate nitric acid.
Some of the work that will be done in the facility includes developing probes to image RNA in cells, RNA’s control of gene expression and virology.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Elga Wulfert said she couldn’t contain her excitement for the project.
“We have come a long way in a very short period of time and we have much to celebrate,” she said.
While the institute is still waiting to receive its instrumentation, it will officially open and be fully staffed by this fall. The institute is also affiliated with 57 other labs and 350 researchers nationwide, including Binghamton University, Yale and Williams College.
RNA Biochemist Ronald Breaker described the new institute as a race car.
“You have some of the best pieces of equipment. What do you do with a race car? You drive it hard. Go out, be creative. But don’t break it, we want it back,” Breaker said. “RNA biologists, start your engines.”