

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.
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 Utah philanthropic community. The vision of this public-private partnership is to provide the people of Utah 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.
A Place to Solve Mental Health Challenges Through Collaboration and Innovation
Opening Fall 2026, 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
In the News
Official Press Release
First-Of-Its-Kind Translational Research Building for Mental Health
In the News
"Mental health is a surging problem amid COVID-19, especially for kids. What's Utah doing to meet the need?"
Guiding Principles for Planning and Construction








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