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- Posted Friday November 20, 2015
Arizona Board of Regents recognizes TGen with award for Outstanding Service to Higher Education
Award acknowledges strong collaborative ties between TGen and NAU in thwarting terrorism and combating infectious diseases
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Nov. 20, 2015 - The Arizona
Board of Regents presented theTranslational Genomics Research
Institute (TGen) with its 2015 Regents' Award for Outstanding
Service to Higher Education, recognizing the extensive research
TGen has conducted in association with Northern Arizona University
(NAU).
The award was presented at a Board of Regents dinner Thursday at
the University of Arizona. The award was established in 1996 to
recognize groups or individuals who make important and lasting
contributions to the higher education system in Arizona.
TGen's Pathogen Genomics Division in Flagstaff, or TGen North,
works hand-in-hand on numerous scientific investigations with NAU's
Microbial Genetics & Genomics Center (MGGen), studying ways to
bolster the nation's biodefense, and to prevent outbreaks - even
pandemics - of such contagions as flu, cholera, E. coli,
salmonella, and even the plague.
TGen North and MGGen are both directed by Dr. Paul Keim, TGen
Professor and Cowden Endowed Chair of Microbiology at NAU, and a
world-renowned expert in anthrax and other infectious diseases.
Under his guidance, NAU undergraduates and graduate students gained
invaluable experience on the way to launching their careers.
"This recognition by the Arizona Board of Regents is most welcome
and reflects the hard work and ingenuity of countless researchers
and students at both TGen and NAU," Dr. Keim said. "Through our
joint NAU-TGen research, we are continuing to develop tools and
technologies that have a great impact on human health."
Three patents have been awarded jointly to TGen and NAU, and 26
are pending. One of the patents is for a set of genetically based
tests that accurately identify fungal pathogens that threaten
public health worldwide. These tests allow for real-time analysis
in labs, clinics, physician offices, emergency rooms and even field
settings. They have great potential for saving lives and lowering
health care costs.
Another patent is for a test that can detect, and assist in the
treatment of, the H1N1 pandemic flu strain. The test quickly
informs doctors about the strain of flu that is present and whether
it is resistant to anti-viral drugs.
"The strong collaboration between TGen North and NAU is a prime
example of what can be accomplished through close, synergetic
efforts that compliment the best attributes and expertise of each
institute," said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen President and Research
Director.
NAU President Rita Cheng praised TGen and Dr. Trent: "Since its
founding in 2002, TGen has grown to become a cornerstone of
Arizona's influential bioscience sector, in no small part due to
the vision and leadership of Jeff Trent. I thank him for his
foresight in appreciating the value of Arizona's regents'
institutions as research assets and centers of knowledge."
TGen North also collaborates with local, national and
international universities, biotech companies, security agencies,
health care providers, public health departments and other
institutions in its quest to protect human health.
"With this great TGen-NAU partnership, we are translating advanced
education directly into advanced research and, in turn, directly
into advancements in human health. We are grateful for this
relationship and look forward to creating even more positive
outcomes together," said Dr. David Engelthaler, TGen Associate
Professor and Director of Programs and Operations at TGen
North.
The Arizona Board of Regents is the governing body of Arizona's
public university system, providingpolicy guidanceto
Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, the
University of Arizona and their branch campuses.
"Nominees for this year's Regents' Awards for Outstanding Service
to Higher Education were exemplary," said Regent Ram Krishna,
vice-chair of the Regents' Award Nomination Committee. "TGen
demonstrates the tremendous power of collaboration with Northern
Arizona University as well as the impact of the biosciences on
Arizona's economy and the health of its citizens. It is our honor
to give this award to TGen."
TGen was nominated for the Regents award on NAU's behalf by former
Regent Jack Jewett, now President and CEO of the Flinn
Foundation.
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with neurological disorders, cancer, and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org. Follow TGen on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @TGen.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]