Work continues on the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s $17.1 million Biomechanics Research Building addition.
Originally opened in 2013, the facility was the first stand-alone building in the world dedicated solely to biomechanics research. A 30,000 square-foot addition was completed in 2019. Construction of this second 19,000-square-foot, three-level addition is expected to be completed in early 2028.
The “phase three” expansion will house the Center for Cardiovascular Research in Biomechanics, a program established in 2024 after UNO received an $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, according to a UNO press release.
The center’s aim is to develop innovative materials and devices to address challenges posed by vascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease, which includes all diseases of the heart and blood vessels, is the leading cause of death in Nebraska, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Ruth Scott and her late husband, Bill Scott, provided philanthropic support for each phase of construction through the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation.
“This is the very definition of thinking globally and acting locally,” UNO Chancellor Joanne Li said at a groundbreaking in late May. “This addition cements UNO Biomechanics as the destination in the world to teach, learn and discover in this vital field.”
The Biomechanics Research Building is located on UNO’s Dodge Campus adjacent to Caniglia Field. The new addition will be connected to the east end of the existing building. It will include laboratories, instructional space, offices, graduate student space and a collaborative space for students and researchers.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the program statement and budget for the addition April 11.