As the state's only doctoral degree-granting institution, UAF's expertise in basic biological research serves as the foundation for preparing students for high-demand careers in biological sciences as well as for advanced degrees in animal and human health.

Most of UAF's existing biology teaching labs were built before 1960. BIOS will provide modern labs and enhance opportunities for students to participate in research alongside UAF's top researchers, which will help attract and retain students.

Find out more about hands-on learning at UAF.

Research and teaching are part of a continuum. Multidisciplinary science teams work with students in genomics, Alaska Native health, toxicology, environmental physiology, virology, neurosciences and bioinformatics.

Grant awards in biology and arctic sciences have totaled nearly $50 million since FY02. This investment has led to an extraordinary increase in research activity, the hiring of new faculty and the expansion of programs. BIOS will free up space to further expand important research programs at UAF.

Find out more about life sciences research.

A strong biosciences and biomedicine program is critical to Alaska's future. The new generation of scientists must be well prepared to tackle the state's top challenges: invasive species, a changing environment and emerging diseases.

Basic research at UAF helps foster a better understanding of public health problems that affect us all: avian influenza, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease and sudden infant death syndrome.