Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City opened its Primary Children's and Families' Cancer Research Center.
Here are six things to know about the project.
1. The research center offers 225,000 square feet of space. That expands HCI's research capacity by two-fold.
2. The expansion, which includes a biotechnology center with genetic sequencing and imaging equipment, will be used by scientists and researchers "to study the leading disease killer of children, to trace familial cancers, to accelerate the development of new treatments and cancer prevention strategies, and to enhance training programs for the next generation of cancer researchers," according to a news release.
3. Faculty at the center will have access to various resources, such as cancer biostatistics, genetic counseling, genomics and bioinformatics analysis, research informatics and the Utah Population Database, the release states.
4. Other features of the center include a 120-seat auditorium and spaces for public meetings, among many other amenities.
5. HCI founders the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman family, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare and the State of Utah are among the entities providing principal support for the $173 million project (inclusive of financing costs).
6. On the same day the research center opened, Mr. Huntsman declared a $120 million commitment from his family and Huntsman Cancer Foundation for HCI.