Oregon Health & Science University's newest building opened Friday on Portland's South Waterfront.

The Knight Cancer Research Building is supposed to be a state-of-the-art research facility aimed at early detection and will house biological data experts and specialists in immuno-oncology. The $190 million building, 2730 SW Moody Ave., is 320,000-square-foot and seven floors.

The plans have been in the works for about five years. Construction crews broke ground in June 2016.

The new building can house 650 people, and will serve as the hub for the Knight Cancer Institute.

The state invested $160 million, and a $500 million challenge grant came from Phil Knight, Nike's co-founder. The challenge generated $1 billion, which will be spent on research, clinical trials, outreach and an endowment.



No academic center has spent so much on early detection research. Nanotechnology expert Sadik Esener will head the early detection program.

"We pledge to use this facility to end cancer as we know it, and we will be reminded of our pledge each day as we work within these walls," said Brian Druker, director of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute.

Learn more about the new research center:

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com

503-294-5923

@MollyHarbarger