Southern Research
Southern Research (SR) is a nonprofit preclinical contract research institute that has been bridging basic science and commercial solutions for over 80 years. From pioneering chemotherapy research in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering to generating millions of data points in the global fight against COVID-19, SR has consistently been at the forefront of scientific innovation. Our team of experts excels in transforming cutting-edge science into tangible societal benefits, utilizing comprehensive drug discovery and development capabilities to drive innovation and advance life-saving medical breakthroughs. SR collaborates with over 100 industrial partners, the federal government, and numerous academic institutions to advance the development of life-saving medicines.
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
Key People
Doug Bartels
Director, Strategic Initiatives at dbartels@southernresearch.org, 205-581-2738
Rebecca Boohaker
Director, Strategic Initiatives at rboohaker@southernresearch.org, 205-581-2706
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.
Birmingham, led by Southern Research, was named a federal Tech Hub, positioning the region for significant investment and job creation in biotechnology and AI.
A $2 million gift from Dai-ichi Life Insurance and Protective Life Corporation supports the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance, a collaboration between Southern Research and UAB.
Southern Research served as the independent technical evaluator for the $20 million Carbon XPRIZE, validating breakthrough CO2 conversion technologies.
Southern Research biologists discovered that oxylipins play a critical role in the formation of biofilm shields that protect bacteria from antibiotics.
A grant from the Alabama Power Foundation supports early-stage research on new therapies for ALS at Southern Research.
Southern Research has discovered seven FDA-approved anticancer drugs, including fludarabine and dacarbazine, both on the WHO List of Essential Medicines.
Southern Research and Bionetix Inc., a South Korea-based biotech firm, have signed a research and license agreement to develop a novel anti-cancer drug targeting epigenetic processes in tumor cells. The collaboration leverages Southern Research’s expertise in drug discovery and aims to develop new inhibitors for chemotherapy-resistant tumors.
Southern Research hosted the Southeast Energy Storage Symposium, bringing together industry leaders to discuss energy storage, policy, and regulation, and formally opened its Energy Storage Research Center.
Station 41, Southern Research’s biotech incubator, filled its initial space and announced plans to expand to 40,000 square feet due to high demand.
Southern Research is set to open a new state-of-the-art research facility in July 2025, further expanding its capabilities.
Launch of Catalyst, a project offering free genetic testing and expanding access to precision medicine across Alabama.
Southern Research awarded biotech funds, bringing new jobs and business to Alabama.