Ferguson Lab is On the Move: New Lab Space Coming in 2026
February 20, 2025
The Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research is preparing for an exciting transition as it, along with the core Department of Orthopaedic Surgery bench-top laboratories, move into a new, state-of-the-art 25,000 square foot space.
Ferguson Lab team packs to move to a temporary space while their new, permanent home is under construction.
Background: The Creation of the BMRC
The move is part of the creation and ongoing development of the Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh (BMRC). The University of Pittsburgh and the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery established the Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC), a groundbreaking initiative bolstered by a generous $25 million gift from the Orland Bethel Family Foundation and matched by the University of Pittsburgh. This $50 million endeavor is transforming the field of musculoskeletal research at Pitt and UPMC. The BMRC was envisioned and is led by founding executive director Joon Y. Lee, MD. Dr. Lee is the Orland Bethel Professor in Spine Surgery in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and clinical director of the Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic and Spine Research.
The BMRC stands out in its approach to musculoskeletal research. Unlike traditional research centers that focus predominantly on basic science, the BMRC is a blend of basic, bench-top science and clinical research groups and priorities. This structure is intended to foster translational research, ensuring discoveries are swiftly and effectively translated into clinical practice at the bedside.
About the New Laboratory Space
The new space being constructed to house the Ferguson Lab and several other labs focused on musculoskeletal research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation represents a significant upgrade in facilities and capabilities, designed to foster collaboration and advance research in musculoskeletal health.
“This move is an incredible opportunity to integrate resources, bring together diverse research teams, and create a dynamic space for innovation,” says Laurie Dearolf, PhD, administrative director of the BMRC, who is overseeing the creation of the new lab space.
A Purpose-Built Space for Innovation
The new space will occupy half of the 16th floor of the BST, offering modernized research facilities tailored to the needs of BMRC-affiliated labs, including the Ferguson Lab. Key features of the new multidisciplinary space include shared lab resources, centralized equipment, and flexible workspaces designed to support interdisciplinary collaboration.
Among the highlights for the new facility will be a new surgical education center, where residents and medical students – and faculty – can refine their skills using advanced tools and techniques while working in a new space that offers the chance for closer collaboration across disciplines.
“Having a dedicated surgical education center will allow us to provide hands-on training for the next generation of clinicians,” says Dr. Dearolf. “Additionally, centralizing specialized equipment and resources will streamline our operations and enhance productivity across all of the BMRC’s affiliated labs.”
The construction and move also reflects a thoughtful approach to the design and location, one which is close to UPMC Presbyterian, enabling seamless interactions between researchers, surgeons, and clinical care teams.
Enhanced Collaboration and Shared Resources
A central goal of the new space is to foster collaboration in research – across labs and research disciplines – basic, clinical, and translational science.
The Ferguson Lab will share the facility with other BMRC-affiliated groups, including the Mechanobiology Lab, Joint Tissue Biology and Engineering Lab, and several other of the core research labs at the BMRC. This co-location will create opportunities for resource sharing, including access to advanced imaging technologies, molecular biology tools, and other specialized equipment.
"The launch of the BMRC, the Bethel Orthopaedic Biobank, and move into this innovative new space serves as a catalyst for our research programs and our drive to become a global leader in orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research."
MaCalus V. Hogan, MD, MBA
David Silver Professor and Chair
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery/
Chief, UPMC Orthopaedic Service Line
“By bringing these groups together, we’re building an environment where synergistic collaboration happens naturally,” says Nam Vo, PhD, co-director of the Ferguson Lab and professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “For example, having shared animal models and research resources in one place makes it much easier to coordinate efforts and share findings.”
Another advantage of the shared space is the ability to house novel research tools in a common location.
“When labs are spread out across different buildings, it can be logistically challenging to share equipment. In this new facility, we’ll be able to maximize the utility of cutting-edge resources,” says Dr. Vo.
Advancing Research Directions
The new facility also will support the Ferguson Lab’s expanding research agenda.
The development of new model systems for aging processes that affect the musculoskeletal system broadly, and specific orthopedic conditions is a priority area. These models will be shared across labs to enable integrated research into musculoskeletal health.
“For example, we’re establishing new model systems that allow us to study multiple tissues from a single subject, such as the spine, knee, and hip,” says Dr. Vo. “This integrated approach not only improves efficiency but also enhances the translational impact of our work.”
The move also positions the lab to continue its major research projects, such as the LB3P study, which focuses on phenotyping chronic low back pain patients to develop targeted therapies.
“We’re in the renewal phase right now for the LB3P project, but we expect this important work will keep going and benefit greatly once we move to our new home next year,” says Dr. Vo.
With expanded capabilities and new tools, the future home of the Ferguson Lab will be well-equipped to explore innovative directions in musculoskeletal research.
“This new space is more than just a physical upgrade for our research teams — it’s a big step forward for our entire Pitt Orthopaedic research community,” says Dr. Vo. “We’re excited for the opportunities it will bring to our faculty, staff, and trainees.”
