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HMHI Translational Research Building Rendering
HMHI Translational Research Building Rendering

Mental Health Translational Research Building



A hub for discovery, policy, and impact

First-Of-Its-Kind Research Building For Mental Health

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If you have questions regarding the planning, programming, or construction of the Translational Research Building, we want to hear from you.

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The Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building at the University of Utah Huntsman Mental Health Institute will be a transformative facility dedicated to innovating mental health research and clinical care. It will create a space for researchers and educators to address critical mental health issues in collaboration with experts in science, artificial intelligence, public policy, business and law.

The purpose of the Translational Research Building is to lead the way in solving mental health challenges like suicide, child and young adult mental health, rural mental health, stigma, workforce shortages, and the psychiatric and social factors created by COVID-19. Educators and researchers from universities and colleges across the state will use the facility and partner with Huntsman Mental Health Institute on research, treatment, and training initiatives. The new facility will also allow for Huntsman Mental Health Institute to expand child and young adult mental health treatment programs to better meet the needs of Utah families.

The project is made possible by funding from both the State of Utah and the local and national philanthropic community. The vision of this public-private partnership is to provide the people of Utah and throughout the United States with the best mental health care in the country and lead the nation in mental health research and treatment.

Advancing Brain and Behavioral Research

What if the key to transforming mental health care lies in how we understand the brain? At Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Dr. Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, Professor of Psychiatry and Vice Chair of Research, and a team of expert researchers are asking that question every day. Their research dives deep into how brain activity shapes behavior, using powerful tools like advanced MRI, focused ultrasound, and artificial intelligence.

Learn more about our research

A Place to Solve Mental Health Challenges Through Collaboration and Innovation

Opening Summer 2027, the new Translational Research Building will bring together research teams in a space built for collaboration and innovation. From genetics and public policy to youth development and adult care, this building will help turn scientific discovery into real-world solutions for people living with depression, addiction, and other mental health challenges.

  • First institution in the nation to co-locate mental health researchers with experts in science, artificial intelligence, public policy, business and law
  • Designed to be a 185,000 square foot, multi-floor building with dedicated spaces for wet labs, dry labs, administration, outreach & education
 
  • Will house the world's only 7 Tesla MRI dedicated to brain research and innovation clinical innovations
  • Supported by $90 million appropriated by the Utah State Legislature and $65 million in philanthropic funding
  • Construction to begin in 2023

Where Will the Building Be Located?

University of Utah Research Park

Behind Huntsman Mental Health Institute
501 Chipeta Way
Salt Lake, UT 84108

Mark your calendar: September 25, 2026

Research Day for Mental Health, Brain & Behavioral Science

Explore new research. Connect across disciplines and industry. Help shape the future of mental and behavioral health.

Save your spot

News and Stories

Official Press Release

First-Of-Its-Kind Translational Research Building for Mental Health

Read the press release

In the News

Mental health is a surging problem amid COVID-19, especially for kids. What's Utah doing to meet the need?

Read more on KSL

Brains on Brains Feature Story

Exciting new advances from the best minds in research

Read the story

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

For the millions with treatment‑resistant mood disorders, conventional treatments often aren’t enough.

Explore our research

Guiding Principles for Planning and Construction

Acquisition

Acquisition & Retention

Develop a world class, state of the art building & program to attract & retain the best people in the world.

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Education

Enhance the University's educational mission by fostering curiosity & creating an environment of learning.

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User Experience

Stimulate collaboration across multiple disciplines and create a user experience that includes all, is execiting, and attractive.

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Mental & Physical Health

Support well-being for occupants & the community through sustainable design & new ways of working.

Collaboration

Collaboration

Support a full range of collaboration modalities with all participants both within & beyond this building.

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Workplace Culture

Foster a welcoming environment that supports people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

Inspiration

Inspiration

Inspire innovation & creativity through an adaptable space that supports continually refining & learning. 

Community

Community

Create community engagement and de-stigmatizing mental illness through art, science, and interdisciplinary programs.

You can positively impact the lives of those in a mental health crisis.

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