The new facility houses specialists from a multitude of disciplines, ranging from disease and immunology experts to mathematicians and engineers, all of whom are already involved in biomedically important research and committed to collaboration — and not just with colleagues in their own fields. Interdisciplinary research is the driving concept behind the Center, said David Lee, the University of Georgia’s vice president for research.

Interdisciplinary research brings multiple angles to scientific discovery. For example, a team interested in a disease such as malaria — caused by a parasite that is transmitted from person to person by mosquitoes — could incorporate the work of scientists specializing in insects, parasites, and the human immune system, as well as other relevant areas of inquiry.

The $40 million building is constructed from indigenous granite and recycled materials, and incorporates such “green,” or environmentally friendly, aspects of design as sensors that pick up on natural light levels and dim fluorescent fixtures and a water conservation system that will ensure that the facility is as energy-efficient as possible.

The labs inside are largely “flexible,” meaning that as researchers form different teams and coalitions within the community, members can shift to be nearer in proximity to other co-investigators. Furthermore, the halls on the second and third floors – where the labs are located – have stools, whiteboards, comfortable chairs and tables so that whenever some chatting colleagues – and they will chat, there’s no way into the building that doesn’t pass through main areas – are struck by inspiration, they will not have far to go to diagram their ideas. Researchers will also be able to avail themselves of a $2.3-million bioimaging suite that will enable them to look at brain function and tissue composition and, in the basement, a rodent barrier facility accessible from the labs.

On April 7, 2006, more than 1,000 students, faculty and guests attended the dedication of the Coverdell facility. Former president George Bush gave the address, saying that “the dedication of this biomedical and health science center is really a fitting tribute to this man who could bring people together for a common purpose. Here scientists and students will come together to tackle some of the most pressing health-related challenges we face and come to push back the frontier of discovery and progress.”

Georgia governor Sonny Perdue added that “[the Coverdell Center] will help Georgia remain a leading state of innovation as it attracts hundreds of millions of dollars into our economy and provides answers to some of the stickiest problems of our health and of mankind. Senator Coverdell made meeting the needs and solving the problems of Georgians a priority of his life and of his career. This outstanding research center will stand as a fitting tribute to his life, work and to the Coverdell spirit.”

Following the ceremony, Nancy Coverdell was presented with a framed original print of the facility and guests were invited inside to tour the center and view the four memorial areas that commemorate the former senator. The entrance lobby of the building features four inscribed quotes, while the rear lobby displays a bronze casting of the seal of the United States Senate. A Georgia Oak and a memorial garden that includes some of Coverdell's favorite plants reflect the senator's life of service, as does a portrait in the building that depicts him on one of his many Peace Corps  Missions.

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