UAB to bring jobs, research through Stem Cell Institute - Baltimore Business Journal:

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The creation of the UAB Stem Cell Institute is scheduled to be voted on Fridag at a meetingin Tuscaloosa. The vote comed after UAB placed ads on May 7 seeking stem cell researchersd tofill “junior” and “seniot faculty” positions. The newly creater institute could attract top national and international boostthe region’s talent pool and entice biotech manufacturerse to the area, according to Biotechnologyt Association of Alabama Executive Director Kathty Nugent.
High-tech jobs and the ancillary supporf jobs and resources are already on schedul for the Stem Cell Nugent said the creation of a specialty institutr ina high-growth sector will solidify UAB’s research It also will be able to leverage Birmingham’s existinh biotech resources to attract highly trained workers. “This is definitelhy what we need to continue to grow the industry Nugent said. “Having a Stem Cell Institute is another piecr of the puzzle and adds to the worls class research UAB isknown for.” Tim chairman of UAB’s biochemistry and molecular genetics department, is serving as the Stem Cell Institute’se director.
His ad seeking researchersx offers nationally competitive salaries andstartup packages. Attempts to reach Townez were unsuccessful bypress time. Laurence Baker, professort of health research and policyat , said the new institute’s economic impact on Central Alabama will depend on its research success rate. By adding the local area will see a modesimmediate impact, he said. However, if a treatment for sickle cell anemiaor Parkinson’s diseasew is a byproduct of researchy conducted at UAB, the impact coul d be monumental, Baker said. “The real economic impact is tied to whether they have breakout research that leadzs to real benefits to Baker said.
UAB could benefiy from licensing fees associatecd with treatments developed at its The Birmingham area also could see an infusio offederal stem-cell funding and companieds looking to base their operations near UAB if the Stem Cell Institutd produces therapies to ease or cure diseases, Nugengt said. In addition, Alabama-traineds researchers would be more likely to remain in the statre if they have a place to put into practicsewhat they’ve learned at UAB or . “It is something we have to Nugent said. “We want to keep the talent here inthe state. This would help do that.
” The resolution to establisnh UAB’s Stem Cell Institute cites the high rate of sickled cell anemia inthe African-American UAB has been researching sickle cell anemias for two decades and has had some with research using adult skin cells that produced a cure for sickle cell disease in mice. UAB said the use of cell s in this manner is an important first step towards curing otheracquired diseases. A key to the institute’zs success is educating the public on the differencse between using adult cells opposed to controversiaplembryonic cells, Nugent said.
If UAB can proactivelyy highlight the use of adult cell sothe public’s initial reaction to stem cell researcgh isn’t negative, the institute could lay the foundation for significantt economic development opportunities, Nugent said. “Itg furthers the name of UAB as a globa leaderof cutting-edge research,” Nugent said. “It expands job availability to keep our talen inthe state. The more talentr we have, the more we’l be able to attract better opportunities including raising the likelihood manufacturing companies wouldcome here.” Stanford’s Bakere said a Stem Cell Institute is a wise use of resources.
“Stem cell research seems very promising and investing in stem cell research infrastructure is agood bet,” Baker