Southern Research
Southern Research is an independent, not-for-profit scientific research organization founded in 1941 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. With over 400 scientists and engineers working across Life Sciences, Engineering, and Energy & Environment divisions, the organization is dedicated to solving complex scientific challenges and translating innovative ideas into practical, life-changing solutions. Southern Research is recognized for its legacy of innovation, including the discovery of seven FDA-approved cancer drugs, and for its commitment to economic development, STEM outreach, and personalized medicine initiatives such as Catalyst. The organization generates over $150 million in annual economic impact, supports more than 1,000 Alabama jobs, and collaborates closely with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and other partners to drive scientific progress and improve health outcomes. Southern Research maintains national research partnerships in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environment, and energy, and is guided by forward-thinking leadership and an engaged advisory board from the Birmingham business community.
Southern Research
What We Do
A statewide initiative offering free genetic testing and personalized health insights to Alabama residents, integrating genomic data with clinical care to improve health outcomes.
A biotech incubator providing state-of-the-art laboratory space, mentorship, and resources to accelerate biotechnology startups in Birmingham.
Alabama’s first industrywide resource for testing and validating energy storage technologies, supporting third-party innovators from utilities, academia, government, and technology companies.
A state-of-the-art facility enabling rapid screening of millions of compounds for drug discovery and development.
A preclinical animal model for evaluating Zika virus infection and testing candidate vaccines and antivirals.
Comprehensive research services targeting infectious diseases, including vaccine and therapeutic development, animal models, and high-containment (BSL-3) capabilities.
Infectious Diseases
Show More (2)Regenerative Medicine
Drugs
News & Updates
Southern Research has discovered seven FDA-approved anticancer drugs, two of which are on the WHO List of Essential Medicines.
Southern Research was part of a team awarded a $71 million contract to support Redstone Arsenal’s Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center.
Southern Research was awarded two BARDA contracts valued between $45 million and $90 million for nonclinical research services to protect the U.S. against infectious disease and bio-terror threats.
Southern Research annually recognizes outstanding employees for advancing science, technology, and organizational excellence.
Southern Research signed its first licensing agreement in a decade with Bionetix Inc. to develop and potentially commercialize novel epigenetic enzyme inhibitors for cancer therapy.
Southern Research is building a Center for Pandemic Resilience to double lab space for infectious disease research and support Alabama’s biotech corridor.