The Madison and Milwaukee region was recognized for its potential to become a global leader in biohealth and personalized medicine, and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health proudly joined a coalition of academic institutions and industry leaders led by BioForward, a Wisconsin-based biohealth advocacy organization, to achieve this groundbreaking achievement.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, JD, describes the Technology Hubs program as “strengthening our existing innovation base, connecting leading research institutions with world-class companies to create good-paying jobs in these communities and ensure that the technological advances that will define the next century are realized in communities across America.” Selected from nearly 400 regions, they will receive $70 million in federal funding to support technology, commercialization and workforce projects that strengthen Wisconsin as a leader in medical innovation.
Following the announcement, Technology Hub Program Director Eric Smith, JD, announced the University of Wisconsin’s “A+++” rating for the collaboration outlined in our proposal, which reflects the faculty’s spirit of driving innovation, committing to health equity, and demonstrating the impact of collaboration with industry partners.
Notably, our Department of Radiology and Medical Physics has worked with GE HealthCare (GEHC) on groundbreaking research for 40 years. In November 2023, UW School of Medicine and Public Health and GEHC will renew their partnership for another 10 years, covering approximately $30 million in research funding. This is Wisconsin Ideas in action, brainstorming patient-centered solutions pioneered at UW Health and then rapidly deployed to health systems around the world. Today, innovative theranostic research is building on this collaborative history, paving the way for future treatments.
Another example dates back to 2000, when Dr. Richard Moss, emeritus senior associate dean for basic research, biotechnology and graduate studies, and Dr. Gail Robertson, professor of neuroscience, recognized a great need for skilled scientists in the local biotechnology industry. After discussions with industry leaders and then-Governor Tommy G. Thompson, JD, the University of Washington School of Medicine and Public Health created the Master of Science in Biotechnology program, which offers a unique curriculum targeted at a diverse range of professionals. The impact of this program’s nearly 500 graduates has been astounding. Moreover, the relationships forged with biotechnology industry representatives through this program led to the creation of our Biohealth Industry Partnerships Office, which I lead.
In its efforts to strengthen clinical research and translational innovation, the UW School of Medicine & Public Health has responded to growing demand from industry partners. For example, through the UW Clinical Trials Institute, led by director of Clinical Trial Development and Accreditation Elizabeth “Betsy” Nugent, MSPH, CCRP, and associate dean for Clinical Trials Nasia Safdar, MD, PhD (PG ’00), the school has more than doubled its portfolio of industry-sponsored trials. Additionally, the soon-to-open UW Health East Park Medical Center will increase patient access to clinical trials.
UW Health and the UW School of Medicine and Public Studies have partnered to launch the Isthmus Project, an academic medical center’s first medical innovation hub. Led by medical physics entrepreneur Thomas “Rock” Mackie, PhD, and Chief Innovation Officer Elizabeth Hagerman, PhD, the project provides mentorship and capital investment for novel ideas. The project has served more than 160 innovators representing 32 specialties and 54 disciplines.
At Washington University School of Medicine and Public Health, I believe the most influential driver of collaboration is the world-class work being done to support health equity. With the creation of the Center for Health Disparities Research in 2019, under the leadership of Associate Dean for Social and Health Sciences and Programs Amy J. H. Kind, MD (Class of 2001, Class of 2007), PhD (Class of 2011), we are providing an unprecedented accessible tool: the Area Poverty Index (ADI), which puts data on social determinants of health in the hands of physicians and researchers across the United States. For example, Epic Systems has adopted the ADI in their software.
Wisconsin’s recognition as one of the nation’s most promising technology-driven economies is an achievement made possible by the many experts whose vision and commitment to excellence are part of our history. We welcome your ideas on how to expand our portfolio of research and innovation services, and we look forward to sharing our continued successes.
Wisconsin Designated as Regional Technology Hub for BioHealth
