AMHERST – The University of Massachusetts is receiving

$95 million for the creation of three new research centers at the university's new $157-million Life Sciences Laboratories.

Gov. Deval Patrick and Massachusetts Life Sciences were awarded the $100 million to life sciences for capital projects at a noon UMass press conference.

The governor also announced $5.5 million for the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, a joint venture of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and UMass Amherst.

Initially half of the new life science building was left as a shell so it could be equipped as research initiatives were developed. The money announced Thursday will pay for construction to fit out and equip a substantial portion of it that shell.

The three new research centers will be dedicated to partnering with regional life sciences and precision manufacturing companies to develop innovative products and services.

The Biosensors & Big Data Center will focus on developing nanotechnology and large dataset management to improve health care through low-cost, wearable, wireless sensors that analyze patient data continuously in real time.

The Bioactive Delivery Center, will focus on discovery and application of new drug, agricultural and “nutriceutical” compounds and draw on discoveries and research by UMass Amherst faculty who, for example, develop synthetic molecules that can fight infection in new ways and design all-natural formulations for delivering oil-soluble vitamins and other nutrients in food products.

Models to Medicine Center will focus on translating basic protein research by UMass Amherst experts into new therapeutic targets. This center will capitalize on an explosion of discoveries over the past 10 years that suggest a variety of protein dysfunctions play a role in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and infectious diseases, according to a press release.

"Our Life Sciences strategy is about choosing to shape our future - investing today to leave a better Commonwealth for the next generation," Patrick said in a press release. "These investments support the kind of innovation that propels our economy forward and prepares our citizens for the 21st century global marketplace."

“As a champion of the life sciences industry for nearly two decades, I am thrilled with today's announcement. In my opinion, the expansion of research and development in the field of the life sciences can improve the quality of health care, grow the economy and create jobs in the Pioneer Valley, “said U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, in a statement. “These two major grants can be game changers for the life sciences and biotechnology communities in Western Massachusetts.”

“This investment is an outstanding example of how world-class research at UMass, with support from the MLSC, can create a dynamic and prosperous future for the Commonwealth,” said UMass president Robert Caret said in a statement.

“The development of three new research centers in partnership with industry will enhance technology transfer and translate inventions into products and services that will make life better for all of us.”

“We are grateful to the MLSC for selecting UMass Amherst to be a catalyst for new advances in the life sciences,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “This grant positions us for new directions in translational research and for increased engagement with industry and other educational institutions in Western Massachusetts and throughout the Commonwealth. UMass is committed to growing these relationships to advance economic development as part of our land grant mission.”

“The UMass campus can have a large impact on local area businesses and has been working with regional groups connecting companies to new technologies,” said Ed Leyden, co-chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative and president of Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing Company in Agawam. “I see the current life science initiative as another excellent means to engage local companies.”

Through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Massachusetts is investing $1 billion over 10 years in the growth of the state’s life sciences industry.

Patrick had proposed the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative in 2007, and it was passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by Patrick in 2008.