University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic Announce Next Steps in Biotechnology Partnership

Wednesday, October 15, 2003

What: Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota announce next steps in the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics

When: Friday, Oct. 17, 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Where: Phillips Hall, Siebens Building, street level, Mayo Clinic, 100 Second Avenue S.W., Rochester, Minn.

Why: Officials from the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic will share an update on the direction of the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 a.m. at Mayo Clinic.

Partnership leaders recently presented their business plan to the governor and have selected nine finalists for their first group of joint research projects. At this meeting, they will discuss these developments and next steps with community leaders and media.

Earlier this year, the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic announced an historic partnership to bring the benefits of biotechnology and medical genomics to Minnesota. This partnership will build upon Minnesota's national and international reputation for health care excellence and increase the partners' sizable economic impact on the state.

"Biotechnology and medical genomics will significantly improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease and offer new breakthroughs in fields such as agricultural production and food safety," says Frank Cerra, M.D., senior vice president for health sciences at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center. "We've already seen examples of the potential and success of biotechnology and medical genomics in areas like stem-cell research, showing that certain types of adult stem cells can be transformed into virtually any cell type."

"Minnesota has the potential to emerge as a leader in biotechnology and medical genomics. On a scale similar to how computers have changed our economy and the lives of most people, advances in biotechnology and medical genomics should rank among the most important breakthroughs in history," says Hugh Smith, M.D., chair, Mayo Clinic Board of Governors.

Contact:
Chris Gade, Mayo Clinic, 507-284-5005
Sarah Youngerman, Academic Health Center, 612-624-4604
Ashley Burt, Academic Health Center, 612-624-2449

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