UC Health and U.S. Air Force Unveil Expanded C-STARS Simulation Center

New $10 million facility sets global standard for military trauma training and medical research.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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UC Health and the U.S. Air Force have announced the opening of the expanded Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) Simulation Center in Cincinnati. The new 30,000-square-foot facility represents the next generation of military and civilian trauma training, significantly advancing medical readiness, response, and research. The $10 million expansion was developed in partnership with the 711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to prepare Air Force medical teams for lifesaving care in combat zones, humanitarian missions, and complex civilian emergencies.

Why it matters

The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center will serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, data-driven research, enabling researchers and clinicians to evaluate new medical technologies, autonomous systems, and care models under realistic operational conditions. This integrated research-and-training approach will help shape future doctrine and capability development within the Department of Air Force, ensuring rapid, evidence-based advances that enhance warfighter survivability.

The details

The new facility includes a fully equipped command center, enhanced education and training suites, dedicated research space, and an immersive virtual reality environment. Key features include high-fidelity, full-scale simulation technology, immersive virtual and augmented reality environments, and data-informed performance tools supporting real-time clinical decision-making. The center will also serve as a hub for operationally relevant, data-driven research to evaluate new medical technologies, autonomous systems, and care models.

  • The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center opened on March 11, 2026.

The players

UC Health

Greater Cincinnati's adult academic health system, where world-class care, groundbreaking research, and the next generation of medicine come together to transform health and improve life within the community.

U.S. Air Force

The Department of the Air Force, which is partnering with UC Health on the expanded C-STARS Simulation Center.

711th Human Performance Wing of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

The unit that developed the $10 million expansion of the C-STARS Simulation Center in partnership with UC Health.

Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart

Commander of the 711th Human Performance Wing.

Col. Ric Speakman

Commander of the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine.

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What they’re saying

“With this state-of-the-art facility, we ensure our medics are prepared to meet the challenges of any environment.”

— Brig. Gen. Robert K. Bogart, Commander, 711th Human Performance Wing (PRNewswire)

“From expanding opportunities for cutting-edge training to researching new medical intervention techniques, every effort is driven by a single mission: saving lives.”

— Col. Ric Speakman, Commander, U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (PRNewswire)

“UC Health, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force, is setting the standard for readiness, response, and resilience through the C-STARS Simulation Center. Together, we're ensuring the lessons learned here save lives - on the battlefield and at home.”

— Col. Valerie Sams, Director, C-STARS Cincinnati, U.S. Air Force, and Trauma Surgeon, UC Medical Center (PRNewswire)

“Every time we step into this simulation center, we're reminded our research isn't about equipment - it's about saving lives. If our work helps medics bring one more service member home safely, every hour spent here is worth it.”

— Jim Lehman, UC Medical Research Site Lead, en route Care Section, AFRL's Human Effectiveness Directorate (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center will continue to serve as a national hub for operationally relevant, data-driven research, enabling researchers and clinicians to evaluate new medical technologies, autonomous systems, and care models under realistic operational conditions.

The takeaway

The expanded C-STARS Simulation Center represents a significant advancement in military and civilian trauma training, positioning UC Health and the U.S. Air Force as global leaders in medical readiness, response, and resilience. This state-of-the-art facility will help save lives both on the battlefield and in complex civilian emergencies through cutting-edge training, research, and innovation.