The One Health Innovation District has unveiled plans to establish the One Health Research Institute, a new centre dedicated to research, scientific collaboration and innovation. Led by Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN), the proposed facility aims to advance One Health research, diagnostics, translational science and the commercialization of scientific discoveries through specialised laboratories, research facilities and incubator space.
The planned 150,000-square-foot facility will feature advanced laboratories, shared research equipment and infrastructure, collaborative workspaces, and facilities for animal health and veterinary partners. Purdue University will serve as the institute’s academic and research anchor, bringing together its faculty, students, researchers and institutional capabilities with industry and entrepreneurial partners. Elanco will contribute industry expertise, scientific talent and experience in animal health innovation, helping translate research into practical solutions and commercial products.
Advancing One Health research and innovation
Building on Purdue’s capabilities in One Health, translational science and data-driven innovation, the One Health Research Institute will promote a collaborative approach to the interconnected health of humans, animals, plants and the environment.
The institute is designed to bring scientists, clinicians, industry representatives and entrepreneurs into a shared environment where discoveries can move more quickly from research into practical applications. Potential areas of development include new treatments, diagnostic technologies, digital health solutions, sustainable agricultural innovations and other commercially viable products.
Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, said the One Health Innovation District aligns with Purdue’s longstanding land-grant mission and its role as Indiana’s leading research and technology university. He described the project as another significant step in expanding Purdue’s presence in Indianapolis and strengthening its contribution to the state’s economic development.
Purdue and Elanco strengthen Indianapolis research ecosystem
Situated along the White River beside Elanco’s global headquarters, the One Health Research Institute represents a major step in the physical development of the One Health Innovation District. The initiative also seeks to strengthen Indianapolis’s position as an international centre for One Health research, scientific talent, investment and innovation.
Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco, highlighted the progress made since the company opened its new global headquarters in the district a year earlier. He said combining Purdue’s research capabilities with Elanco’s industry experience across the One Health sector would help Indianapolis deliver innovations in animal, human and plant health more rapidly and at greater scale.
Space for companies, researchers and entrepreneurs
In addition to supporting Purdue and Elanco’s activities, the One Health Research Institute will offer space for other businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry partners to establish a presence and participate in the district’s collaborative innovation network.
The wider One Health Innovation District is being developed to bring research, diagnostics, clinical trials, continuing education, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and commercialization together in one location. The integrated approach is intended to encourage knowledge sharing, reduce barriers to collaboration and accelerate the development of new solutions. The district has already generated interest from companies looking to work alongside Purdue University and Elanco, with several memoranda of understanding signed. Further announcements about individual companies are expected as their plans are finalised.
