The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and Northern Arizona University have officially opened TGen North, the new pathogen genomics and biodefense research facility in Flagstaff.
Although TGen North has been operational for the past year, the event marked the institute’s transition to 4,500 square feet of state-of-the-art research laboratories and office space.
U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi, NAU President John Haeger, and TGen Director of Pathogen Genomics Dr. Paul Keim were among those who spoke at the opening ceremony.
“You’ve heard so much about the Arizona biosciences corridor,” Keim said to the crowd of business leaders and elected officials. “Welcome to the Northern Arizona on-ramp.”
The Flagstaff facility comprises three research centers focused on the detection and prevention of biological threats: the Center for Public Health and Clinical Pathogens, the Center for Dangerous Pathogens, and the Center for Pathogen Bioinformatics.
“TGen North represents our ongoing commitment to all of Arizona,” said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, president and scientific director of TGen.
“The biodefense and public health research we are doing at TGen North is a direct expansion of our mission to provide earlier diagnostics, in this case to dangerous pathogens.”
TGen North is a collaborative effort between TGen and NAU staffed by several joint and adjunct TGen-NAU faculty members. Researchers at the new facility also have access to Biosafety Level 3 facilities on the NAU campus and to comprehensive genomic research facilities at TGen’s Phoenix headquarters.
TGen North uses the latest in genomic technology to develop diagnostics for infectious diseases, including the use of new analytical tools to create new therapies and vaccines.
For more information:
“TGen North opens to promise, applause,” Arizona Daily Sun, 04/14/2007
TGen press release, 04/13/2007