Press Releases

This aerial photograph shows the progress underway at the future McMillian Park.

Alpha Foundation provides $1.6 million gift to nurture research and economy

Huntsville, Ala -- With a growing roster of non-profit researchers and new tenant businesses at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Lonnie McMillian, president of the Alpha Foundation, has stepped forward to ensure ongoing momentum in the development of Huntsville’s biotech sector.  McMillian, who is also co-chairman of the HudsonAlpha Institute board of directors, has committed $1.6 million toward developing the green space that runs the entire length of the nearly mile-long Cummings Research Park Biotech Campus.

“Between prospects, the launch of new companies and the rapid growth of one of the HudsonAlpha tenants, it has become apparent that new construction on the campus is imminent,” said McMillian. 

Centers of Excellence in Genomic Sciences and Minority Action Plan meetings held

Meetings of the NHGRI-supported Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science grantees and Research Training Advisory Committee with Minority Action Plan grantees were recently held at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.  More than 100 principal investigators and researchers from around the country converged at HudsonAlpha in mid-October to share data and collaborate on issues and concerns that ultimately impact the integration of genomics with biomedical research.

The National Human Genome Research Institute, one of the 27 institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, supports a broad range of projects toward increasing understanding of the structure and function of the human genome and its role in health and disease. NHGRI is also committed to increasing the number of individuals from under-represented minority groups who choose career paths in genomic research and its ethical, legal and social implications.

Benefits double for institute

A recent gathering at HudsonAlpha of almost 80 scientists, many representing the world’s leading research organizations, produced more than good analysis, it also produced goodwill for the institute. “It was highly appropriate to bring this international group of genome scientists to a workshop at HudsonAlpha, so that everyone can see firsthand this exciting and vibrant scientific enterprise being created in Huntsville,” noted Dr. Eric Green, scientific director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. “Plus, the institute staff was remarkably gracious-- taking care of every last detail.”

Scientists from around the world converge at HudsonAlpha for ENCODE meeting

Later this summer, more than 40 scientists, representing many of the world’s leading research organizations, will meet at HudsonAlpha to facilitate the comprehensive identification of functional elements in the human genome sequence. “It’s a meeting of the ENCODE Analysis Working Group,” explained Dr. Chris Gunter, director of research affairs at HudsonAlpha.