May Update on the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building Construction

We are pleased to share the latest milestones in the construction of the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building. The interior build-out of Levels 2 through 4 is actively ongoing, marking a critical phase in the development of the facility’s core operational areas. Infrastructure work including the installation of fire suppression, overhead HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems is in progress throughout Levels 1 through 6. The installation of the exterior glazing system is underway, which not only contributes to the building’s aesthetic but also plays an important role in its energy efficiency and environmental control. Additionally, the construction of the loading dock canopy is underway, which will facilitate efficient logistics and operations upon the building’s completion. The fully installed mock-up is undergoing thorough reviews to ensure construction quality aligns with our meticulous standards for excellence and sustainability. Learn more about our vision for 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 Caroline Pereira at 949-824-5577 or caroline.pereira@uci.edu.