Texas A&M started a new chapter in clinical research on April 11 with the grand opening of the Human Clinical Research Facility.
The College of Education and Human Development hosted the event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Clinical Research Facility will be home to both the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity and the Exercise & Sports Nutrition Lab. To start off the event, audience members listened to guest speakers and participated in group tours around the building, showcasing the new labs and equipment.
Human Clinical Research Facility will help the college to narrow its research focus, according to the Director for the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity Dr. Nicolaas Deutz.
“It focuses on the clinical research, so that’s a real plus of having the building on campus,” Deutz said. “Besides that, I think it’s a very good place for other researchers on campus to start working with us to do more clinical research because in the end, that is what we want.”
Deutz said this step into the field of clinical research will be worthwhile for the university as a whole.
“Clinical research was actually missing on campus, so if we can do more clinical research we will become a better university, with more money and appreciation by others,” Deutz said.
U.S. Representative and guest speaker at the grand opening Bill Flores said there are many benefits to be gained from clinical research and that the university can change lives.
“I commend Texas A&M for its commitment to expand the research activities conducted by this university,” Flores said, “This commitment not only improves Texas A&M, it improves opportunities and life here in the Brazos Valley and all across Texas and the Nation. Actually across the world.”
Flores said by opening the Human Clinical Research Facility, A&M is going back to its original purpose.
“What’s being done with this facility and this program follows as closely as you can get to the land grant mission of Texas A&M University,” Flores said.
Head of Exercise & Sports Nutrition Lab and Department of Health & Kinesiology Richard Kreider said the wide variety of research resources in this one location is what makes the Human Clinical Research Facility unique.
“We can do overnight stay studies, outpatient studies, training and do all the analyses all in house,” Kreider said. “Almost everyone else has a place they have to go to do the training or rehab then they have to collect samples in one place and go to another place for analyses. It’s all here and we are working collaboratively.”
Kreider said the core characteristics of the Aggie spirit also make the Human Clinical Research Facility stand out.
“Aggies are bold,”  Kreider said. “They envision. Lead by example and find a solution to societal problems. That is what makes us special. That is what draws so many great faculty and students here. That’s what keeps us here. Today’s grand opening of a beautiful research facility is yet another example of how Texas A&M University system has led by example.”