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PRESS RELEASE

March 29, 2004

Frances Marine or
MacKay Jimeson
(850) 245-0413

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Seek Partnership Opportunities With Scripps Research Institute
HBCU representatives explore ways to partner with Scripps on emerging biotechnology

LA JOLLA — Representatives from Florida's four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) today discussed ways in which they could collaborate with the Scripps Research Institute on biotechnology research and other projects. Joined by Scripps Florida Funding Corporation Board Member Ruben King-Shaw during a visit to Scripps' facility in California, presidents, academic vice presidents, and professors in biotechnology-related fields from Bethune-Cookman College, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University, and Florida Memorial College sought to expand the research capabilities at the HBCU. The group also discussed ways in which the HBCU could help meet Scripps needs in human resource development.

"Today's visit provides an incredible opportunity for our HBCU to become engaged, from the very beginning, in the amazing opportunities Scripps will bring to Florida," said King-Shaw.

The group discussed how Scripps technology will create spin-off business opportunities, as well as the facilities, programs, and biomedical and biotechnological research already going on at the HBCU. In addition, the group considered workforce issues the HBCU might help address, as well as the academic training students will need. Following the discussion, the group toured Scripps' La Jolla campus.

Recommendations from each of the HBCU included the following:

Bethune-Cookman College

  • Opportunity for collaboration with Scripps Research Institute during the academic year and summer
  • Research opportunities for students to conduct internship
  • Developing a program of visiting scholars from Scripps Research Institute

Edward Waters College

  • Internships for faculty and students working together with Scripps Research Institute on research projects
  • Significant presence within the Biotechnology Center at FAMU and Scripps Research Institute
  • Enhancement of infrastructural and research capabilities

Florida A&M University

  • Development of a Biotechnology Center (Coordinating with the 4 HBCU's in Florida)
  • Development of Clinical Research Organization (CRO) for Drug Development to Address Health Disparities
  • Development of a Business Incubator

Florida Memorial College

  • Opportunity for collaborative research efforts with Scripps Research Institute in attacking issues such as health disparity and the development of drugs for treatments of certain diseases
  • Establishment of a learning institution with Scripps Research Institute
  • Collaborative efforts to leading to solving research problems