Missouri S&T Unveils Vision for Cutting-Edge Scientific Research Facility
The University of Missouri Board of Curators has unanimously approved plans to build a new state-of-the-art scientific research facility at Missouri School of Mines and Science (S&T), with construction slated to begin in October 2025 and completion expected by June 2028.
Dubbed the Bioplex, the $130 million project will serve as the largest capital campaign for Missouri S&T, providing advanced research and education facilities in life sciences, biomedicine, and biological engineering. The facility will be funded through private gifts, underscoring the university's commitment to investing in cutting-edge research infrastructure.
Chancellor Mo Dehghani hailed the Bioplex as a vital step towards showcasing Missouri S&T's reputation as a leading Carnegie Level 1 research institution. "This new facility will give prospective students, researchers, industry partners, and campus visitors an unparalleled glimpse into our critical programs," he said.
The 128,000 gross-square-foot Bioplex will be a multidisciplinary life sciences research hub, housing top researchers, engineers, and industry experts to drive innovation in life sciences research. The facility will also complement existing programs by providing modern teaching and research laboratory space, which is currently under capacity.
Key features of the Bioplex include:
- Space for 24 research teams with wet bench research laboratories and support spaces
- Centralized Center for Biomedical Research advanced labs
- World-class Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) vivarium
- Psychology research suite
- Three teaching labs and a large lecture room
- Three conference rooms
Sustainability was also at the forefront of design, with the building to be powered by a geothermal energy plant. "Missouri S&T is poised for growth in life science research," noted Dr. Stephen Roberts, chief strategy officer. The university has seen significant increases in research funding since 2019 and is projected to reach $15 million by 2030.
The Bioplex project is set to boost collaboration among researchers across multiple disciplines, while marking a definitive chapter for Missouri S&T as a leader in scientific discovery.