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General Questions
-- Where is the NCRC?
NCRC is located south of Plymouth Road in northeast Ann Arbor, bordering U-M North Campus. There are two sets of buildings, one located at 2800 Plymouth Road and one located at 1600 Huron Parkway. For more information, see the Maps & Directions webpage.
-- What is the NCRC?
The University of Michigan's decision to invest in the purchase of the former Pfizer campus resulted in a dramatic expansion of its research infrastructure. The purchase was finalized on June 16, 2009, making it the largest physical expansion in nearly 60 years. The site, which had been vacant since the end of 2008, was renamed the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC). It consists of nearly two million gross square feet of research and research support space, along with approximately 174 acres of land, 28 buildings, including a GMP manufacturing facility, 2,800 parking spaces, furnishings and technical equipment.
With NCRC, U-M embarks on a transformational project to spur interdisciplinary research and innovation across campus, Ann Arbor and the state of Michigan. The new complex will house cutting-edge innovative research with a global impact and the potential to establish U-M as one of the leading translational research institutions in the nation. It will create hundreds of new jobs and help U-M recruit top-notch faculty, students and staff. It will spark public-private partnerships that rapidly transition ideas and data into new knowledge, marketable products and new ways of working. The new research model of co-location of diverse research groups is designed to inspire collaboration, leverage interdisciplinary expertise and technologies, and help tackle multidimensional problems.
-- What research programs are located at the NCRC?
The research programs, or clusters, comprise nationally and internationally recognized scientists who are working to advance science and apply cutting-edge solutions to new research fields. Their expertise will support the clusters' research enterprise and be available to other researchers at NCRC, U-M, the state and the nation.
Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular Research at the NCRC will bring together several Medical School principal investigators from the Center for Arrhythmia Research group, as well as additional faculty from Cardiovascular Medicine, Surgery, College of Engineering, Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Cell and Developmental Biology. These researchers will have the opportunity to expand collaborations and identify new synergies with an emphasis on the epigenetic basis and molecular mechanisms of cardiac rhythm and muscle function. This program has already significantly increased the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of life-threatening cardiac rhythm disturbances and structural heart disease. Additional clusters of cardiovascular researchers focused on vascular biology, cardio-vascular genetics, heart failure and biomedical technology programs are slated to follow. To learn more, visit the Cardiovascular Research webpage.
Translational Oncology
The Translational Oncology program identifies a cohort of 12 principal investigators from the Medical School and College of Pharmacy to collaborate on the development of targeted cancer therapies. The multidisciplinary teams will develop new approaches to treat cancer based on its molecular underpinnings and carry these concepts through the identification, testing and uptake of novel medicines, along with robust diagnostics to track program progress and outcomes, including novel imaging technologies to aid in drug development and track therapeutic outcomes. To learn more, visit the Translational Oncology webpage.
Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation (IHPI)
The IHIPI’s mission is to enhance the health and well-being of local, national and global populations through innovative, interdisciplinary health services research. More than 500 researchers could eventually join the new Institute, with many more engaging virtually, making it one of the nation’s largest concentrations of healthcare policy and services researchers.
Distributed Health Technologies (DHT)
The DHT program is a cross-disciplinary research team focused on developing advanced low-cost technologies for individual health care. The project will design, build and test technologies that are compatible with large-scale distribution to the general community. Engineering, medical and manufacturing expertise are essential for each step of the development process. The investigators represent the Medical School, College of Engineering, the School of Public Health and commercial manufacturing. For more information, visit the DHT webpage.
Biointerfaces
The Biointerfaces program proposes to create a Center of Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research at U-M that will redefine and accelerate the path to preclinical outcomes. It will create a flexible intellectual framework that will enable (i) matching novel technologies with important medical problems; (ii) scale-up of materials and devices for larger scale preclinical and clinical testing; (iii) proof-of-concept demonstrations through in vivo studies; and (iv) efficient projection of the outcomes against unmet clinical needs. It will foster cross-disciplinary technological breakthroughs and rapid translation in advanced materials, nanotechnology, microfluidics and cell engineering. The investigators represent the College of Engineering, Medical School, College of Literature, Arts & Sciences, School of Dentistry and others. For more information, visit the Biointerfaces webpage.
External Groups
NCRC is envisioned as a catalyst to the already steady growth of the University's public-private partnerships. At the NCRC, we will host the U-M Business Accelerator, an incubator for University spinoffs. We also expect to establish new research collaborations through joint labs and other novel partnership arrangements. Occasionally, a small company that seeks to establish a partnership with the University may also co-locate its entire research operations to the NCRC. However, NCRC is not currently envisioned as a "tech park," and the primary reason to relocate a company to the campus is to enable the research collaboration between the University and the company.
Companies who are interested in research collaborations at the NCRC may contact the Business Engagement Center (BEC) as described below. Planners in the BEC, Medical School Business Development, and NCRC meet regularly to discuss potential collaborations.
BEC Contact Information:
Toll free: (877) 647-1000
Local: (734) 647-1000
E-mail: um-bec@umich.edu
-- Are there classes at NCRC?
Currently there are no classes scheduled at NCRC, however, students are an important part of the NCRC. See the Student Opportunities webpage for more information.
Building Access and Security
-- Who provides security for the NCRC?
The Department of Public Safety is responsible for safety and security at NCRC. They are currently using a security provider to monitor the complex 24/7.
-- How do I get access to the buildings?
Facility access is part of the coordinated move process for groups relocating to NCRC.
-- Are the buildings open to visitors?
Yes, buildings are accessible through the lobbies of Buildings 18 and 520, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. See the Building Access webpage for more information.
-- How do I get through the vehicular gates on site?
Gates are raised during business hours. If the gate is down, you will need to swipe your badge. If you do not have a badge, use the vehicular gate call button or dial 734-764-9000 to request assistance.
-- Where do I park my bike?
Bike racks are located around the site, generally close to entrances to buildings. Please refer to the Maps & Directions webpage for more information.
-- What are my bus options for getting to Main Campus, Med Center?
Several bus routes serve the NCRC area. See the Parking & Transportation webpage for more information.
-- What are the parking fees at NCRC?
All levels of parking passes are available at the NCRC, including paid visitor parking. See the Parking & Transportation or Maps & Directions webpages for more information.
-- Where is the closest Park and Ride lot?
The Park & Ride Lot, located on Green Road south of the Plymouth Road intersection, is within one mile from the facility.
Site Services
-- How will I get my mail?
The site has a central receiving function where all mail and packages will be received on site (B90). NCRC personnel will distribute mail from this point, as well as any materials not delivered to the desk top or labs by a carrier.
-- Are there plans for Wolverine Tower mail boxes to be located here, as elsewhere on campus?
The mail at buildings 100-400 and building 520 is picked up by the mail carrier on his Wolverine Tower (WT) route. He sorts the mail immediately and drops whatever he finds for WT on that same route. Eventually when we get a larger volume of mail we will set up a special drop box for WT.
How will I get my mail and packages?
The site has a central receiving function where all mail and packages are received (B90). For more information, see the Campus Mail, Shipping/Receiving, Deliveries webpage.
-- Is there a fitness center on site? When will it be available? How do I get access?
The complex has a space that was formerly a fitness center. Options are being pursued to reopen the facility in late 2012.
-- What food service options are there at NCRC?
Java City has made their services available to our current occupants and provides breakfast and lunch daily. Expanded options for food service at NCRC are a certainty due to the fact that the site has large, fully outfitted space to accommodate cafes and coffee bars. However, in order to operate efficiently and provide a valuable service, a critical mass of customers needs to be located here. We are working with University programs to best determine the future of food service at NCRC.
-- Do NCRC occupants have priority in spots at the child care center?
No, there is no preference for daycare provided to NCRC occupants. General policies regarding availability of UM childcare can be accessed on the University of Michigan website.
-- How do I reserve a conference room? Is there a charge for use of conferencing facilities?
The NCRC has numerous conference rooms of varying sizes and configurations. In the spirit of a collaborative campus, it is our goal to keep these facilities in a shared pool. Use of shared conference room space will be free of charge to NCRC community members. Currently conference rooms are scheduled via "Meeting Maker." An improved scheduling system is in development.
-- Who provides audiovisual support at NCRC? Is this service free?
The Medical School IT organization provides audiovisual support at NCRC, coordinated through Medical School Information Services (MSIS). Basic audiovisual services in conference room spaces are free. Advanced audiovisual and videoconferencing services in event spaces and other locations are available on a recharge basis. Support is available 8am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. To request support, call the MSIS Help Desk at 763-7770, or send email to msishelp@umich.edu.
Scientific Services
-- How will Animal Services be provided at NCRC?
ULAM is the designated provider of animal husbandry and related services for NCRC.
-- May I set up my own Animal Care Service (not use ULAM)?
No. Due to the interrelated nature of the facility and the way the vivaria were constructed, it makes it impractical to have multiple service providers for animal care.
Core Research Services
-- How will I get packages? Cylinder gases?
The site has a central receiving location for receipt of all materials for the site (B90). In most cases, the service provider or carrier has been contracted by U-M to provide desktop or lab delivery of your materials. In exceptional cases, NCRC Receiving personnel will deliver your materials.
-- Are there glass wash and sterilization services at NCRC? Will I be charged to use these services?
NCRC has a mix of self-serve and staffed glass wash and autoclave services. There is no charge for staff-provided services.
-- What Scientific Core Facilities are on-site?
See Scientific Core Facilities website.
IT Infrastructure and Support
-- How will IT be provided at the NCRC?
NCRC partners with multiple University IT units to provide IT infrastructure and services, including network and phone services, high-performance computing and other specialized research infrastructure, collaboration/communications services and end-user support. NCRC partners include Information Technology Services (ITS), Medical Center Information Technology (MCIT), Office of Enabling Technologies (ETO), Learning Resource Center (LRC) and Medical School Information Services (MSIS).
Desktop / end-user support is provided through Medical School Information Services (MSIS). Support is available 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. To request support, call the MSIS Help Desk at 763-7770 or send an e-mail to msishelp@umich.edu.
-- Will my computer work seamlessly if I am from the School of Medicine, Engineering or LS&A?
Your computer should work seamlessly regardless of your college or school affiliation. A robust and secure network infrastructure connects the NCRC with the entire University and internet at-large. Access to specific IT systems and resources may require specialized software or computer configuration. Medical School Information Services (MSIS) is available to work with all University-affiliated personnel located at the NCRC to resolve computer issues.
-- Will I need to pay for my IT hookup?
University-affiliated personnel and units do not need to pay for mainstream network connectivity. Costs associated with specialized network connectivity or IT solutions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may incur recharge fees.
-- Who do I call if my computer doesn't work?
Desktop support is provided through Medical School Information Services (MSIS). Call the MSIS Help Desk at 763-7770 or send an e-mail to msishelp@umich.edu.
-- Will all of my programs run?
Programs on your university desktop computer, laptop or other computing device should work at the NCRC. If you experience issues, support is available through Medical School Information Services (MSIS). Call the MSIS Help Desk at 763-7770 or send an e-mail to msishelp@umich.edu.
-- How do I get phone service at the NCRC?
"Voice over IP" (VoIP) phone service is provided through Information Technology Services (ITS). Phone activation is coordinated through NCRC facilities as part of unit moves to NCRC. Service issues should be reported through the Medical School Information Services (MSIS) Help Desk at 763-7770 or msishelp@umich.edu.
-- Do I have to change my phone number if I move to the NCRC?
Every attempt is made to keep existing phone numbers when moving to the NCRC.
-- Is NCRC wireless?
Wireless connectivity is available at the NCRC. Differing levels of access are available to University, UMHS and visitors through the "UMHS-Level1," "UMHS-8021X" and "UMMS-Guest" wireless networks. Wireless support is available through Medical School Information Services (MSIS) at 763-7770 or msishelp@umich.edu.
-- If I have visitors will they be able to access the NCRC network?
Visitors are able to access the NCRC network using "UMMS-Guest" wireless. The guest network allows visitors to access the internet and publicly available University resources from their own wireless-enabled computer or other device. Visitors must supply their name and email address, attesting that they will comply with U-M Information Technology Policies and related supplementary policies.