Leader in Animal Genetics Brings Innovation to Sacramento
Aggie Square, the innovation district anchored by the University of California, Davis, in partnership with Wexford Science & Technology LLC, has announced the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) as its newest research tenant. The world-class laboratory, known for its pioneering animal DNA testing and genetics services, is situated within UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine, the No. 1 veterinary program in the nation.
For the first time, the School of Veterinary Medicine is expanding its presence beyond the Davis campus into Sacramento. Nearly 80 employees — with knowledge of the genetics of over 20 species — will operate VGL’s research and genetic testing programs in Aggie Square’s standalone “Building on the Square.” The portion of the building to be occupied by VGL is estimated at 21,000 square feet and will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for high throughput genotyping to optimize and improve efficiency for VGL’s testing procedures and accurate DNA testing to occur in a single space.
The move to Aggie Square will expand VGL’s educational programs to the community and industry partners, extending knowledge on the importance and best use of veterinary genetic testing to advance animal health. The laboratory will be fully operational at its new site in 2025.
“By bringing veterinary science to Aggie Square, we are expanding our research footprint and advancing our mission in Sacramento,” said Gary S. May, chancellor of UC Davis. “This strategic move highlights our commitment to accelerate life-changing discoveries and advance human and animal health to improve future outcomes. With the support of our researchers, industry partners and community leaders, Aggie Square will be at the forefront of science and innovation benefiting our community now and for generations to come.”
The School of Veterinary Medicine has established a reputation for excellence in veterinary education and research, both globally and locally. Its cornerstone One Health Institute brings UC Davis’ leading researchers together to tackle many complex problems that affect health and conservation across animals, humans and the environment. The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory will build on this legacy and bring its 70 years of expertise in animal genetics and genomics to Aggie Square.
“Having the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory in Aggie Square is an exciting next step in our establishment of veterinary programs throughout California and beyond,” said Dr. Mark Stetter, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “This marks Veterinary Medicine’s first footprint in Sacramento, and we look forward to VGL’s successful relationships with future Aggie Square residents and the potential industry partners this move could produce.”
As part of its mission to advance veterinary science and genetics research, the laboratory will foster relationships and bridge research collaborations with the School of Veterinary Medicine and other science- and health-focused tenants in Aggie Square. Through collaboration, employees of the laboratory will accelerate the pace of discovery and drive innovations that will improve the health and well-being of animals and humans alike.
“The genetics laboratory is currently housed in several different buildings that date to the 1980s, with an even older main laboratory,” said Dr. Rebecca Bellone, director of VGL. “This move puts VGL’s facilities on par with the world-class offerings our clients from all over the world have come to expect. This move will take VGL to even greater heights by allowing us to expand our diagnostic and research services in an environment that will foster rapid innovation through collaboration with industry partners and colleagues in the School of Medicine, engineering, life sciences and beyond. This move will also allow us to best deliver our educational programs in partnership with those involved at Aggie Square’s Life-Long Learning Building.”
