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MEDIA CONTACT: Debra Kain
561-297-2010, dkain@fau.edu or
Aileen Izquierdo
561-297-2442, izquierd@fau.edu
FAU Slated To Receive $10 Million For Center of Excellence
BOCA RATON, FL (Feb. 13, 2003) -- Florida Atlantic University is one of three state universities in Florida recommended to receive a $10 million award to develop a world-class research center called The Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology.
The recommendation, made by the Emerging Technology Commission, a group of leaders in the technology field, appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to identify cutting edge research initiatives in Florida, will be reviewed by the Florida Board of Education before heading to Gov. Bush and the state legislature for final approval.
The funds, if received, will allow the Center to propel the discovery, development and commercialization of new medicines and other bio-products by utilizing unique marine resources along with cutting-edge technology aimed at combating diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular aging-related diseases.
“The recommended funding would enable FAU and its partner institutions to aggressively pursue the search for new drugs and therapies to combat disease, while also benefiting our students through stronger academic programs, the recruitment of additional world-class faculty, and support of cutting edge research facilities," said Dr. Larry F. Lemanski, FAU vice president for Research and Graduate Studies. "In addition, we expect that this Center will lead to the commercialization of new medicines, which can mean more high-tech companies for Florida. This ETC funding will do what it's meant to do: make a significant impact in stimulating the Florida economy."
The Center of Excellence will combine the scientific expertise of several academic institutions, including lead institution FAU; Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution; Florida International University; Nova Southeastern University and the Smithsonian Marine station at Ft. Pierce; with biotechnological industries in South Florida.
Last year, the Florida Technology Development Act of 2002 provided funding to establish these university-based centers of excellence dedicated to conducting high-technology research and building technology sectors. A total of $30 million was approved in the education board's budget, but still requires a final approval from the state legislature.
FAU’s proposal was one of three selected by the Emerging Technology Commission for the funding out of a total of 18 proposals from universities throughout the state.
The University of Central Florida was recommended for its proposed center for photonics (lasers and optics) and The University of Florida, for its proposed center for regenerative health biotechnology.
For more information, call the FAU Division of Research and Graduate Studies at
561-297-0777.
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