Goals, Strategies, and Actions

Goal 2: Research into Practice

Increase the ability of research-performing institutions to turn bench research results into improved disease/illness prevention, detection, and treatment, plus bio-agriculture and industrial biotechnology products

Strategy 2a:

Develop a premier research leadership stature in Arizona and increase the competitiveness of the state and its institutions for R&D funds from industry, government, and philanthropy, with a focus on core niches, unique disease populations, and demographics emphasizing areas that can lead to disease/illness prevention, a holistic approach, and reflect the state’s population

  • Actions
    2a-1
    Establish a statewide Translational Bioscience and Health Outcomes Research Fund to help build Arizona’s research base, particularly around applications and development—not in basic discovery
    2a-2
    Convene conference of state leaders to help identify the focus of near-term research
    2a-3
    Form and support scientific technical networks in key focus areas
    2a-4
    Study the impact and contributions of the Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF), identify any changes in structure, fund use, or objectives, and secure its renewal in 2020

Strategy 2B:

Scale up and initiate major strategic partnerships among research-performing institutions, industry, and foundations, as well as others focused on Arizona’s disease/technology platforms

  • Actions
    2b-1
    Form consortia of physicians, scientists, and others involved in Arizona disease focus areas, based on the success of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium
    2b-2
    Convene key university and nonprofit players on a regular basis who can identify and collaboratively pursue major federal and industry partnerships both within and outside Arizona
    2b-3
    Consider the feasibility of developing private industry-aligned institutes within the walls of public universities (e.g., German Fraunhofer)
    2b-4
    Build on Arizona’s unique strengths in molecular manufacturing through strategic manufacturing partnerships
    2b-5
    Expand efforts to build common clinical infrastructure and Institutional Review Board capabilities to promote collaboration
    2b-6
    Secure a Clinical and Translational Science Award grant and program for Arizona

Strategy 2C:

Support and fully operationalize Science Foundation Arizona

  • Actions
    2c-1
    Secure support from the Governor and Legislature to reinstitute public funding of Science Foundation Arizona
    2c-2
    Work with Science Foundation Arizona and its board to assess ways the organization can help implement the updated Roadmap