The board of trustees of the Michigan State University has approved the construction of a new biomedical research centre worth $335m at Detroit in the US.

To be located near the intersection of Amsterdam Street and Third Avenue, the 335,000ft2 Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences Research Center spread over seven-stories, is expected to open in 2027.

It is a result of the collaboration between Michigan State University and Henry Ford Health, cementing a 30-year alliance.

Construction of the research centre is slated to commence in mid-May.

The new research facility will focus on expanding research in critical health areas such as cancer, neuroscience, immunology, and public health.

A significant goal of the centre will be to tackle health inequities and the social determinants of health.

The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, which will be housed on one floor of the facility, marks the first dedicated physical space for neurofibromatosis research.

The Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences Research Center is a key component of the $3bn “Future of Health” initiative.

This initiative, which also involves the Detroit Pistons, encompasses a new hospital tower, campus development, and mixed-use residential areas.

Henry Ford Health president and CEO Bob Riney said: “This unique affiliation between our integrated academic health system and MSU will reshape and reimagine how health care is delivered in the city, state and beyond.

“We are advancing collaboration and discovery in ways that would not be possible as separate entities. We are proud to have this research centre as the first on our new campus to break ground, as we anticipate continued transformational development to the entire Detroit campus.”