August Update on the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building Construction

The construction of the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building continues to make significant progress. The build-out of Levels 2 through 6 is advancing, and the installation of fire suppression and fire alarm systems is ongoing from Levels 2 through 6. Additionally, the overhead HVAC, plumbing and electrical installations are making substantial headway across all floors. The installation of the exterior glazing system is nearly complete, and the placement of pre-cast panels is also nearing its final stages. All three elevators are being installed. Furthermore, the concrete footings for the loading dock and generator enclosure have been placed, marking another important milestone. These updates signify our unwavering commitment to bringing the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building closer to fruition. Learn more about this interdisciplinary research hub here.


The 215,000-square-foot Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building (FLFMIB), part of the Health Sciences District, is scheduled to open in 2025. Made possible by a generous $30 million lead gift from Professor Robert Mah & Dr. Adeline Yen Mah’s Falling Leaves Foundation, FLFMIB will be among the largest buildings on the West Coast dedicated to basic and translational research and training. The edifice’s design embodies UCI’s One Health no-silos approach to world-changing progress. Created in every aspect for collaborative “bench to bedside” research, elite teams of UCI investigators working on some of the world’s most intractable health problems will join forces in leading-edge labs that facilitate groundbreaking multidisciplinary discovery. Twelve high-impact, interdisciplinary research programs have been selected for the new building and adjacent space. To enter the building, programs must have significant potential to transform the face of biomedical research, patient care and public health. Moreover, programs must also meet philanthropic targets. To learn about supporting programs for FLFMIB, contact Health Advancement at healthadvancement@uci.edu.