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Between Athens and Adelaide, Allan Robins spends a lot of time
at 30,000 feet. During the long flights from UGA's BioBusiness
Center to the Australian headquarters of BresaGen, a pioneering
firm in stem cell technology, Robins recharges his enthusiasm
for research — and his entrepreneurial spirit.
"At the Georgia BioBusiness Center, we cultivate this
special combination of scientific expertise and business acumen," says
Margaret Wagner Dahl, director of Research Development and
Technology Alliances at the University of Georgia. "Our
mission is 'technology transfer': helping UGA researchers to
create startup companies that can make their research efforts
commercially successful. We also form relationships with outside
companies attracted by the expertise of our talented faculty."
The Georgia BioBuisness Center is a program of the University
of Georgia Research Foundation and is in partnership with the
Center for Applied Genetic Technologies. The Georgia BioBusiness
Center, founded in 2000, is currently affiliated with several
established and startup bioscience companies with research
and technology ties to UGA. The program enables bioscience
startup companies to accelerate their early growth through
access to management expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Interdisciplinary expertise and resources come together through
the Georgia BioBusiness Center to nurture and stimulate the
development of biotechnology companies for the benefit and
expansion of Georgia’s bioscience industry.
BresaGen is an excellent example. As chief scientific officer,
Robins is researching the use of cell therapy to treat illnesses
involving cellular degeneration, such as Parkinson's disease. "Here
in Athens, we have access to world-class scientific talent
such as Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholars Steve Stice
and Clifton Baile," says Robins. "We've brought four
people over to join the Athens research effort, with 10 more
to come this year, including Eminent Scholar Steve Dalton.
The 'Australian invasion' is going to continue."
"It is in everyone's interest for BresaGen to succeed," says
Dahl. "If they make just one major breakthrough, it could
improve the lives of millions of people."
Competing
in a Global Economy
The University of Georgia is at the forefront of the globalization
movement in higher education with a wealth of opportunities for
international experiences. Our students are flocking to study-abroad
programs, thriving on the challenges inherent in confronting a
new cultural environment. More and more, students on campus are
also making choices that reflect an understanding of the importance
of global awareness—from living in a residence hall-based
language community to starting a radio program in another language
to minoring in a foreign language. These experiences, whether at
home or abroad, influence how our students perceive the world and
their place in it. We’re producing graduates prepared to
be world citizens—well informed, culturally sensitive and
technologically sophisticated. They’re ready to take on the
challenges of our global society, and they’ll be equally
at home whether in the Peach State or the Republic of Georgia. |
UGA’s
BioBusiness Center helps UGA researchers create startup companies
that can make their research efforts commercially successful.
