Named after a well-known Island couple, this building opened in 2006. It is a state-of-the-art bioscience and health research centre housing researchers from UPEI, the National Research Council Institute for Nutrisciences and Health (NRC-INH), and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Here they collaborate on health-related research projects and contribute to the Island’s growing bioscience cluster, exploring how natural compounds can be used to prevent and treat disease in animals and humans. Their research focuses on identifying, extracting and refining naturally occurring compounds from renewable plant, animal and marine resources that help to prevent or treat diseases, infections or disorders affecting the brain, immune system or metabolism, such Alzheimer’s, Type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Regis Duffy has had a long association with UPEI, starting as a student at St. Dunstan’s University and returning to teach chemistry, first at St. Dunstan’s and then at UPEI where he became the new university’s first Dean of Science. In 1970 he created Diagnostic Chemicals Ltd. (DCL Ltd.), a company that makes fine research chemicals, enzymes and blood analysis systems. In 2001 DCL Ltd. opened a new division called BioVectra dcl. Duffy was chair of the UPEI Board of Governors from 1996 to 2006, and was named board chair emeritus in 2007. Joan Duffy is a retired teacher and respected volunteer in community and cultural activities. 

Building Code: DRC
Building Number: 28
Architect: BGHJ Architects
Year Built:  2006
Total Area:  57,647 ft2 (5,355 m2)
Structure: Face brick
Primary Role/Purpose: Research

Occupants: 

• NRC Institute for Nutrisciences and Health
• CRODA
• Launchpad PEI
• Synapse
• UPEI Climate Research Lab