Iowa State’s $141.5M Veterinary Diagnostics Lab Expansion to Transform Animal and Human Health Research
How the New Facility Will Revolutionize Veterinary Diagnostics and Enhance Biosecurity
The $141.5 million Veterinary Diagnostics Lab (VDL) is entering Phase 2 of construction, bringing cutting-edge diagnostics and biosecurity to Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Scheduled for completion in Fall 2026, this expansion will consolidate all major diagnostic facilities under one roof, adding 78,500 square feet to the existing structure completed in April.
Why a New Facility?
The current diagnostics lab is over 50 years old, lacking the modern infrastructure needed to support today’s advanced diagnostic practices and biohazard containment. “The ability to conduct high-quality diagnostic medicine in a 50-year-old facility was becoming more and more difficult,” explained Dan Grooms, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Biosecurity concerns, alongside the need for updated infrastructure to safely manage hazardous materials, made a new facility essential.
“Our facility needs the infrastructure to contain bacteria and viruses that we work with,” Grooms emphasized, noting that the new VDL will be equipped with specialized ventilation and open lab layouts to meet these modern requirements.
What Phase 2 Will Bring
Designed by INVISION, Phase 2 will add new labs and facilities focused on molecular diagnostics, virology, serology, and toxicology, all vital in tackling disease diagnostics for livestock, pets, and even public health. Architect Brett Van Zee highlighted the flexibility and sustainability of the design, which includes natural daylight and a south-facing shading solution to manage solar gain, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort for staff.
The facility is on track to achieve a LEED Gold certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable construction and operation. Phase 1 recently received LEED Silver certification, and Phase 2 is a continuation of that design, seamlessly integrating with the existing structure.
Building a Sustainable Future for Veterinary Medicine
The construction of this expanded facility is a collaborative effort, funded by $18 million from Iowa’s infrastructure fund, $40 million in federal grants, and $8.5 million from Iowa State University and donors, including significant contributions from pork producers and the Farm Bureau.
The VDL plays a critical role in veterinary and human health research, handling over 120,000 cases and conducting 1.6 million tests annually. It has made significant discoveries, including linking a mystery disease in Texas cattle to the bird flu, and has been instrumental in testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grooms expressed the importance of this expansion for the future, stating, “This building will allow us to continue to be leaders in the veterinary diagnostic world, elevating our capabilities in diagnostic medicine now and into the future.”
