Rowan, Virtua open biomedical research center in South Jersey

The basics:

• Rowan University, Virtua Health open Virtua Health College Research Center
• 20,000-square-foot facility will support biomedical, medtech research
• Center will house institutes focused on orthopedic, neuromuscular, transplant, regenerative medicine
• Project strengthens Rowan-Virtua partnership and South Jersey‘s life sciences ecosystem

Rowan University marked a major step forward in its research expansion with the March 18 ribbon cutting of the new Virtua Health College Research Center.

The 20,000-square-foot facility is designed to accelerate biomedical innovation in South Jersey. The center will house multidisciplinary teams as well as anchor two new institutes focused on orthopedic, neuromuscular, transplant and regenerative medicine.

It will also support the New Jersey Accelerator for Innovation in Medtech. NJ AIM is a multi-location Strategic Innovation Center in Camden and Mullica Hill.

The launch comes a little more than a week after Rowan unveiled its sweeping $690 million West Campus development plan. University President Ali Houshmand said this center represents another significant step in the school’s growth and development as a magnet for innovation and investment in South Jersey.

“We have all the resources to make South Jersey a new Silicon Valley,” said Houshmand. “This building will serve as a catalyst for future development in biomedical sciences and technology. Rowan’s West Campus will be a regional hub for health care innovation, advanced manufacturing and workforce development.”

Leaders from Rowan and Virtua Health emphasized the facility is built to translate research directly into patient care. It also aims to strengthen collaboration among researchers, clinicians and students.

A growing partnership

The opening also underscores the rapid growth of the Rowan-Virtua partnership.

The collaboration has expanded significantly since 2021 to integrate medical education, research and clinical care. Rowan and Virtua previously launched the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University.

“This research center represents what happens when institutions refuse to rest on reputation and instead stay relentlessly focused on the future,” said Jennifer Khelil, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, Virtua Health. “The discoveries made here will move directly into clinics, hospitals and communities, helping patients across South Jersey and beyond live longer, healthier lives.”

Officials said the center reflects a shared vision to drive innovation, improve health outcomes, and position South Jersey as a hub for life sciences and technology. The facility’s design intentionally fosters interdisciplinary work along with real-world impact. Leaders highlighted its potential to deliver breakthroughs that benefit patients and communities across the region.

A vision turned reality

“I want you to envision the amazing discoveries that will be made here that will have a very positive impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones,” said Dianne Langford, dean, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences.

This new research center is the heartbeat of our mission …
– Richard Jermyn, dean, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

“This new research center is the heartbeat of our mission — a place where faculty, clinicians and students come together to drive discovery and turn it into real care,” Richard Jermyn, dean, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. “When you bring together mission-aligned partners committed to excellence in education, patient care and research, the possibilities are limitless.”

Khelil emphasized, “Five years ago, a building like this felt like a distant goal — a dream, really. Today, we stand in front of physical proof that anything is possible when you have a vision and you put in the work.”