Engineering Excellence for Advanced Radiopharmaceutical Research
Inside GDI Ainsworth’s multidisciplinary approach that delivered one of Canada’s premier medical isotope and cyclotron research facilities
Project Details
Location
Edmonton, Canada
Number of Buildings
1 - 29,000 ft² cold-storage facility
System Implemented
Full mechanical and electrical integration, specialized vault construction for cyclotron, hot-cell installation, and radiopharmaceutical handling infrastructure
Project Goal
Transform an existing cold storage space into a state-of-the-art academic, research, and radiopharmaceutical production facility, including specialized containment for a cyclotron
Impact at a Glance
Successfully repurposed a legacy cold-storage facility into one of only eight cyclotron facilities in Canada
Enabled production of clinical-quality technetium-99m used in 80% of nuclear medical diagnostic procedures
Established the University of Alberta as a national centre of excellence for cyclotron research and radiopharmaceutical innovation
Achieved Green Globe certification, reinforcing sustainable design and construction practices
Challenge
Ainsworth was tasked with converting an existing cold-storage building—never designed for high-spec radiopharmaceutical production—into a fully compliant cyclotron and medical isotope facility. The project required specialized containment systems, radiation shielding, hot-cell installations, and exceptionally tight mechanical and electrical coordination within a compact interstitial space where every inch mattered.
Methodology
Integrated design-build approach to repurpose existing infrastructure for specialized academic, research, and production functions
Precise coordination between mechanical, electrical, and specialty trades to maximize limited interstitial space
Deployment of specialized installation practices for arco-plast wall finishes and radiopharmaceutical spaces
Close collaboration between consultant, general contractor, and subtrades to streamline decision-making
Rigorous quality management to mitigate issues and ensure smooth delivery of a highly complex facility
Solution
Constructing a specialized vault to house the cyclotron (particle accelerator)
Installing hot cells and radiopharmaceutical handling areas designed for safe, compliant production
Integrating dense mechanical and electrical systems within constrained interstitial space
Coordinating all trades to align installation sequences, specifications, and quality requirements
Applying advanced materials and installation methods tailored to high-containment environments
Ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering, contracting, and subtrade partners to deliver a complex, multidisciplinary facility with minimal issues
The Ripple Effect
Positioned the University of Alberta as a leader in medical isotope research and cyclotron technology
Strengthened Canada’s supply of technetium-99m, reducing reliance on external sources
Advanced national healthcare by supporting the diagnostic imaging needs of millions of patients
Established a sustainable, modern research environment through Green Globe–certified design practices
