Albuquerque, NM – August 13, 2013 As part of a new program to recognize the achievements of New Mexico institutions whose innovative technologies are making a real impact on economic development, The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce honored UNM’s Health Sciences Center at an August 1 luncheon. To read more about the event, see the article, reprinted below, from the August 1 online edition of the Albuquerque Journal.
UNM Health Sciences honored for innovation at luncheon
The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center was recognized Thursday as a hotbed of research and technology innovation at a luncheon event in Albuquerque.
Mayor Richard Berry and university and community leaders spoke at the luncheon, organized by the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce as the first in a new series of events to honor state institutions that make key contributions to New Mexico’s economic and technology development through research and innovation.
The Health Sciences Center, which includes all of UNM’s medical research and education institutions, employs about 10,000 people with a $1.5 billion operating budget. In addition, it spends about $150 million annually on research through public and private grants it receives from out of state.
That research has generated scores of new, cutting-edge medical diagnostics and treatment, much of which is now being commercialized through private investors and startup companies.
“UNM has spun out about 30 companies in the last few years that are now creating new medical devices and therapies and employing people in New Mexico,” Health Sciences Chancellor Paul Roth told luncheon attendees.
Roth said UNM research generates about $4 in economic benefits for every $1 spent, creating a $600 million annual economic impact in New Mexico.
UNM President Bob Frank, chamber board chair Liz Shipley and Albuquerque Journal Editor Kent Walz also spoke at the luncheon.
Upcoming chamber events will highlight innovation at the state’s two national laboratories and at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base, said chamber President and CEO Terri Cole.
Source: Albuquerque Journal
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