GALVESTON, Texas - After more than five years of careful planning, design and construction, UTMB’s Galveston National Laboratory is complete and the facility will be formally dedicated on Tuesday, Nov. 11. 

“The GNL brings the focus on global health research to Galveston - and that’s something our local community can be proud of. This facility is indeed a national resource,” said Dr. Stanley M. Lemon, principal investigator of the Galveston National Laboratory and director of UTMB’s Institute for Human Infections and Immunity. 

Hurricane Ike dealt a devastating blow to Galveston in mid-September, but the GNL weathered the storm without significant damage, precisely as designed.

“Despite the damage sustained by the university and the community, there was never any doubt this dedication ceremony would proceed as scheduled - and that is a testament to the strength and resilience of the UTMB community,” added Lemon.

Within the GNL, UTMB scientists will work with the best and brightest scientists from across the nation to address the most critical emerging infectious disease and bioterrorism threats facing our society. The GNL will also lead the nation in training the next generation of infectious disease scientists.

In addition to the substantial contributions these efforts will make to the health, safety and security of the United States and the world, these GNL programs are also projected to result in a notable contribution to the economy of Texas - an estimated $1.4 billion to the gross state product over the next 20 years.

The dedication ceremony will feature keynote addresses from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

In addition to the dedication ceremony, the day’s activities on campus include:

  • 11:30 a.m. - Dedication ceremony, Galveston National Laboratory Plaza, keynote addresses by Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, NIAID, and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
  • 1:30 - 5 p.m. - Scientific symposium, “Opportunities and Challenges in Emerging Infectious Diseases and Biodefense for the 21st Century.”

To RSVP for these events, please contact Lizzie Hernandez with the Office of University Events at 409-772-8775.