Biomolecular Imaging and Cancer Research

In 2007, the North Carolina Legislature established the North Carolina Cancer Research Fund (NCCRF) (G.S. Chapter 116.29) and began a long-term financial commitment to research and treatment of cancer to improve the health and well-being of the citizens of North Carolina.

With the NCCRF funding, the cancer research program has been highly successful in recruitment of new investigators. Growing the research programs at The Unverisity of North Carolina School of Medicine, however, requires significant expansion of the imaging research infrastructure in order to bring all aspects of scientific collaboration in the areas of biomolecular imaging and Cancer research together under one roof.

For example, one of the most important first steps of the Molecular imaging program and cancer investigation is to assure future success at the highly competitive levels for NIH and National Cancer Institute (NCI) funds. Success will hinge on the installation of several large fixed pieces of equipment into existing infrastructure. One of the most essential pieces of equipment is a cyclotron facility for the production of short-half life radioisotopes using PET technology.

In the FY2008 budget, The N.C. Legislature recognized this need with an appropriation of $8M in State capital funds to initiate the planning and design for a new Imaging Research Building.

In the FY2009 Budget, the appropriation was $35M and the G.S. 116.29 was amended:

"the construction of the Biomedical Imaging Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a vital component of the State's efforts to improve the health and wellness of its citizens. Therefore, there is appropriated from the General Fund to the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina the following sums for the corresponding fiscal year to be used for the planning and construction of the Biomedical Research Imaging Center:

Fiscal Year 2009-2010: $172,000,000

Fiscal Year 2010-2011: $45,000,000


Monday, August 4, 2008

What will a typical faculty office look like?

The faculty offices are on the perimeter of the labs and have full window views. Typical of other new research buidings on the School of Medicine campus, we will use Herman Miller systems furniture.

New photo
Posted by Jan Buffington at

What will the computational area look like?

The computational areas are surrounded with windows, and configured with Herman Miller systems furniture.

New photo
Posted by Jan Buffington at

What will the lab look like?

The labs will be a flexible and open design to enhance collaboration, and be easily adaptable to reconfiguration should needs change in the future.

New photo
Posted by Jan Buffington at
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Friday, August 1, 2008

Early Site Preparation Photos

On July 22nd, work began with early site preparations to identify the exact locations of a steam tunnel & loop, and also the chilled water lines.

New photos have been posted.
Posted by Jan Buffington at

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Timeline to Completion

July 2008: Early site prepartion begins with relocation of utilities

January 2009: Excavation of Basement Levels 1 and 2 begins

August 2009: Superstructure

October 12, 2012: University Day and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Posted by Jan Buffington at
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