TSRI Plans to Open Major Science Center in Palm Beach County,
Florida
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has announced plans
to establish a major science center in Palm Beach County,
Florida, focusing on biomedical research, technology development,
and drug design.
The announcement comes after months of discussions with
Florida Governor Jeb Bush and state and local leaders. The
facilities and initial staffing for the new center will be
supported by Florida state and local government.
TSRI will continue to operate and expand its activities
and programs at its campus in La Jolla, California.
"Based on our history and experience in La Jolla, the extension
of Scripps activities will increase the scope and depth of
significant research in biomedical science," said TSRI President
Richard A. Lerner. "The synergy between Scripps biomedical
research in California and Florida is expected to lead to
major new developments to improve human health."
In an e-mail sent to TSRI employees, Lerner added, " I want
to assure you that the quality of our research and staffing,
level of funding, facilities, and overall operations [in La
Jolla] will not be disrupted or adversely affected in any
way by the establishment of a Florida operation... I invite
you to join with me in this exciting, challenging new endeavor."
The expansion is expected to boost Florida's economic development
in biotechnology, just as the Scripps campus in La Jolla has
served as the seeding ground and economic stimulus for the
burgeoning bioscience industries in Southern California. Approximately
40 companies have grown out of Scripps research and technology
developments.
Governor Bush said, "Scripps is the brand name in biomedical
research and we are honored they have chosen Florida to expand
their current research facilities. Already known for breakthroughs
for cancer and Alzheimer's disease, this new bi-coastal presence
will bring even greater opportunities for life-saving and
life-enhancing research."
TSRI will also collaborate with and support local industry
and businesses, the university system, and school districts
in the region, as it has done in San Diego.
Beginning in 2004, TSRI expects to occupy temporary laboratory
space while it constructs a state-of-the-art, 364,000-square-foot
facility on 100 acres to be occupied in 2006.
"The Scripps Research Institute is grateful to Governor
Bush and the people of Palm Beach County and throughout Florida
for this exciting, challenging opportunity to expand our knowledge
of biomedical science and to contribute to the improvement
of human health," Lerner said.
Links to news and other coverage:
- San
Diego Union-Tribune, "Research Institute Plans Florida Site"
- Palm
Beach Post, "Scripps President says PBC will Benefit Economically,
Educationally"
- Palm
Beach Post, "For $310 Million, as Many as 50,000 New Jobs"
- Palm
Beach Post, "Giant Biotech Deal Set"
- Palm
Beach Post, "Scripps' Growth will Spur FAU's"
- Palm
Beach Post, "Florida Wants What La Jolla Has in Scripps"
-
Palm Beach Post, "FAU, Top Biotech Group to Team"
- Miami
Herald, "Scripps' Arrival Means Boom in Florida"
- Miami
Herald, "Scripps to Open Research Center in Fla."
- St.
Petersberg Times, "Study Would Generate 1.8-Billion"
- St.
Petersberg Times, "Huge Incentives Lure Research Group to
Fla."
- Tallahassee
Democrat, "Research Facility Boon for the State"
- Sun-Sentinal,
"Gov. Bush Calls Special Session to Lure Job Giant to Palm
Beach County"
- Sun-Sentinal,
"Orange Loses Bid for Biotech Giant"
- Governor
Jeb Bush's press release
- Video
archive of October 9 press conference
- Fact Sheet about TSRI
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"The synergy between Scripps biomedical
research in California and Florida is expected to lead to
major new developments to improve human health."
—Richard Lerner
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