2011 Annual Report of the Georgia Research Alliance Not Every Day Brings a Major Win, but in 2011, Many Did

2011 Annual report of the Georgia Research Alliance Not every day brings a major win, but in 2011, many did. An advance in science, a venture investment, the growth of a company – these kinds of developments, all connected in some way to the catalytic efforts of the Georgia Research Alliance, signaled that Georgia’s technology-rich economy is alive and growing. And that’s good news. In GRA, Georgia has a game Beginning in July, GRA partnered These and other 2011 events Competition among states for plan for building the science- with the Georgia Department and activities represent a economic development and job and technology-driven of Economic Development to foundation for future creation is as intense as ever. economy of tomorrow. And determine how the state’s seven advances, investments and Every advantage matters. GRA in 2011, that game plan was Centers of Innovation, which economic growth. As such, bolsters Georgia’s competitive strengthened when newly help grow strategic industries, they are a reminder that it advantage by expanding elected Governor Nathan Deal can maximize their potential. pays to make every day count. university R&D capacity and moved to align more closely And the Georgia Cancer adding the fuel needed to several of Georgia’s greatest Coalition, the state’s signature launch new enterprises. assets for creating, expanding initiative for cancer research and attracting companies and care, was moved under the that foster high-wage jobs. GRA umbrella. The events of 2011 | JANUARY – FEBRUARY

Jan 1 Expert in autism named GRA Eminent Scholar

Jan 11 Collaboration aims to develop new treatment for ovarian cancer

Georgia Tech researchers have

Meg Buscema proposed a filtration system that could potentially remove

Billy Howard Jan 4 free-floating cancer cells that cause secondary tumors. They Ami Klin, a psychologist renowned for his research GSU lands top researcher in are collaborating with GRA on autism, came to Georgia as a GRA Eminent inflammation and immunity VentureLab company Sub-Micro Scholar and top official at the Marcus Autism Center. to advance the technology Formerly director of Yale University’s autism toward commercialization. GRA partnered with Georgia State University in recruiting program, Klin was named the first chief of autism John McDonald and Ken a scientist whose work has shed new light on chronic and related disorders at the Marcus Autism Center Scarberry developed the idea for inflammation, the driver of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and director of Emory University’s Division of the filtration system, which would and a host of other diseases. Autism and Related Developmental Disabilities. reside outside the body and use Jian-Dong Li joined Georgia State University as a GRA One out of every 98 children in Georgia has an magnetic nanoparticles to help Eminent Scholar to launch the Center for Inflammation, autism-type developmental disability, and autism attract ovarian cancer cells as they Immunity and Infection. He brought with him a start-up spectrum disorders (ASDs) are the fastest-growing metastasize. The scientists and company, ROCK Pharmaceuticals, LLC, which develops developmental disability in the United States. their colleagues at Sub-Micro plan anti-inflammatory therapies. Klin’s research – much of which involves to have a prototype system ready Drugs that are used to fight inflammation typically sophisticated eye-tracking technology – helps for testing within three years. bring serious side effects. Dr. Li discovered that a identify autism as early in life as six months, so medication called Vinpocetine, which is prescribed for that the course and development of the disorder memory impairment, also reduces inflammation, with can be altered. He aims to validate a number fewer side effects. of individual markers of autism, which together provide a risk profile for the condition. Klin’s appointment coincided with the 20th anniversary of founder Bernie Marcus’ commitment to improving the lives of children with autism and related disorders. The Marcus Autism Center is a wholly owned subsidiary of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

2 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Phil Jones

Jan 21 UGA scientist studying parasitic diseases is named GRA Distinguished Investigator

Boris Striepen, a University of Jan 13 Georgia researcher working to Three GRA Eminent find new ways to treat diseases Jan 23 Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver (left) and GHSU President Ricardo Azziz sign a banner to commemorate the date of the Scholars receive top caused by parasites, became a Researchers explore how university’s name change. national honors GRA Distinguished Investigator. interaction of cocaine, His appointment is part of a GRA HIV/AIDS drugs damage Feb 1 initiative to recruit, retain and the heart MCG repositions – and renames support scientists who are “rising The American Association stars” in their fields of research. GRA Eminent Scholar To position itself better as a leading academic health for the Advancement of Striepen’s research focuses Michael Kuhar is center and top-50 research university, the 183-year- Science elected GRA on parasites that cause severe contributing to a new old Medical College of Georgia was officially Eminent Scholars Don disease in infants, small children Emory University study renamed Georgia Health Sciences University. Giddens (of Georgia Tech) and individuals with weakened on how the combination “The benefits of the name change will be obvious and Cliff Baile and Roberto immune systems, such as of cocaine and anti-retro- as we recruit the best minds from across the country Docampo (of the University those suffering from AIDS. His viral medications used to and the world,” said President Ricardo Azziz. A of Georgia) as 2010 laboratory uses modern genetic treat HIV/AIDS could national survey of faculty and administrators at Fellows. The international approaches to investigate the damage the heart. health sciences institutions showed that roughly half organization noted that the parasites’ unique biology, so that Funded by a $5.7 million had never heard of MCG, and most believed it was a Fellows are selected for new drugs can be developed to grant from the National stand-alone medical school. their “contributions to fight them. Institutes of Health, the GHSU enrolls 2,400 students in five colleges and science and technology.” study examines which is one of Georgia’s top 20 employers. The three join 13 other biochemical mechanisms GRA Eminent Scholars behind cocaine and who were elected AAAS anti-retroviral therapies fellows in earlier years. lead to cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Rick O’Quinn

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 3 The events of 2011 | February – April

FEB 22 Powerful new microscopes unveiled at Emory

FEB 11 Investors fuel new growth for Damballa

Network security firm Damballa Inc., the second GRA VentureLab company to receive an investment from GRA Venture Fund, LLC, Mar 9 continued its rapid growth through a $12 million GRA VentureLab company round of investment. makes WSJ “Top 50” Damballa’s technology, born in the labs of Georgia Tech, combats command-and-control For the second consecutive year, attacks on computers from armies of “bots,” The Wall Street Journal’s list or remote computers. The company, which of the Top 50 Venture-Backed now employs more than 70 people, has raised Companies included Suniva, nearly $30 million in the past five years. a solar power technology With the February funding announcement, company that received GRA Val Rahmani, CEO, told a news reporter that VentureLab investment. Damballa’s pipeline was “16 times what it was Suniva, which evolved from a year ago.” the research of Georgia Tech professor Ajeet Rohatgi, is the

Jack Kearse only U.S. manufacturer of high- efficiency, low-cost silicon solar An Emory University technology core facility directed by GRA cells. More than 80 percent of its Distinguished Investigator Elizabeth Wright (above) added product is exported to Europe two ultra-high resolution microscopes, providing researchers and Asia. with extraordinary new ability to visualize cells and viruses. To be eligible for the WSJ The advanced cryo-electron microscopes offer layer-by- ranking, companies must have layer views of a frozen specimen. One of the microscopes, received an equity round of

Damballa equipped with phase plate technology, is one of only two financing in the past three such instruments in the United States. years and be valued at less GRA invests in cutting-edge research tools at its partner than $1 billion. universities to advance frontier research and development.

4 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Mar 17 Georgia Tech’s Brédas is named one of the decade’s top scientists

Mar 18 GRA Eminent Scholar’s work opens door to simple

screenings for cancer PATH

A new computational tool designed by a University of Georgia researcher

Billy Howard may hold the key to creating simple Apr 12 urine tests to screen for cancer. Georgia Tech researchers Business intelligence powerhouse Dr. Ying Xu, GRA Eminent Scholar demonstrate the future Thomson Reuters named GRA in bioinformatics and computational of TV at national event Eminent Scholar Jean-Luc Brédas biology, studied 1,500 proteins that one of the top 100 materials are excreted in urine. By analyzing Researchers at Georgia Tech’s Apr 25 scientists of the 2000-2010 decade. their characteristics, Xu has provided Broadband Institute, led by GRA Record registration reached for Brédas, a Regents’ Professor of a starting point to identify proteins Eminent Scholar Nikil Jayant, GRA/CDC/CDC Foundation Research Chemistry and Biochemistry at whose presence – or absence – in a got some valuable feedback Collaboration Symposium Georgia Tech, was included because patient’s urine could signal cancer. on their exploration of “future of his “impact score,” a calculated Xu’s research was funded by the television” at the National More than 300 scientists registered measure of his influence on the field. National Institutes of Health, the Association of Broadcasters for the GRA/CDC/CDC Foundation His 50 papers published in materials National Science Foundation and (NAB) convention in Las Vegas. Research Collaboration Symposium science journals during the decade the Georgia Cancer Coalition. The researchers were invited on “Hot Topics in Next-Generation have been cited nearly 2,200 times to showcase their innovations at Vaccines R&D.” by other scientists. the convention’s International The Symposium marked the fifth Brédas’ research focuses on Research Pavilion. One technol- year of programs to promote research uncovering the chemical and ogy they demonstrated was an collaborations among researchers physical properties of novel organic iPad and iPhone remote control from Georgia universities and the U.S. material, including research on prototype that allows TV viewers Centers for Disease Control and organic solar cells and organic light- to explore deeper content. Prevention and to showcase Georgia’s emitting diodes for potential use in The NAB convention drew strengths in next-generation vaccine visual displays and lighting. 90,000 attendees and exhibitors. research and development. Featured were sessions on innate immunity, inflammation and infection and systems vaccinology. John Boslego (above) – who leads vaccine development for PATH, an international nonprofit organization promoting global

University of Georgia University health – was the keynote speaker.

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 5 The events of 2011 | MAY – JUNE

Jun 7 GRA Eminent Scholar B.C. Wang joins world-class scientists in new fellows program

The nation’s top scientific organization for X-ray May 24 crystallography named

Georgia State University State Georgia Phone fraud protection company B.C. Wang, a GRA Eminent wins business competition Scholar at the University May 16 of Georgia, to its inaugural Leading biochemist Pindrop Security, a startup that developed May 25 class of Fellows. recruited to Georgia technology to prevent phone fraud, won the Gates Foundation grant In receiving the honor 2011 Business Launch Competition sponsored by to help fight devastating from the American World-renowned chemical biologist GRA and the Technology Association of Georgia. poultry disease Crystallographic Association Peng George Wang joined the Founded by researchers at Georgia Tech, (ACA), Dr. Wang joined faculty of Georgia State University Pindrop detects the inherent noise and packet Some of the world’s poorest 15 other leading scientists, as a GRA Eminent Scholar. loss that a phone call encounters as it moves people depend on chickens not including several Nobel Prize Wang is an expert in glyco– along its route from a particular location. The just for food but as an essential winners, as an ACA Fellow. science, the study of carbohydrates, technology creates a unique “call fingerprint” part of their livelihood. ACA promotes interaction and has joined GSU’s new Center that can verify the origin of subsequent That’s why GRA Eminent among scientists who study for Diagnostics and Therapeutics. phone calls and – unlike caller ID – can’t be Scholar Steve Stice of the the structure of matter at His research team creates new manipulated or faked by would-be criminals. University of Georgia is using atomic resolution. The ACA sugars that can be incorporated stem cell technology to breed Fellows program recognizes into medicines to make them more poultry that are resistant to “a high level of excellence” effective. They also investigate the Newcastle Disease, which kills in research, teaching, service role carbohydrates play in illness about one-quarter of the and leadership. and disease. chickens in sub-Saharan Africa each year. In May, Stice received a $1.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to advance his research.

6 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Jun 28 GRA Eminent Scholar Dynan shares in national “top 100” R&D award Emory

Jun 15 Jun 19 Emory, Children’s Healthcare Emory neuroscientist Michael Kuhar break ground on research center celebrated for his life’s work

Some 65 top researchers and their teams The nation’s most venerable organiza- will explore new therapies for children and tion targeting drug dependence and

adults in a new $90 million health sciences abuse presented a lifetime achieve- Phil Jones research building being constructed by ment award to GRA Eminent Scholar Emory University and Children’s Healthcare Michael Kuhar. Georgia Health Sciences University researchers who helped of Atlanta (CHOA). Kuhar, an Emory neuroscientist develop microscopic spheres that hold a variety of materials Scheduled to open in April 2013 on the renowned for his development of were among those who captured a “Top 100 R&D Award” Emory campus, the 200,000-square-foot techniques that show where drugs this year. facility is being funded with support from act within the brain, received the The spheres – measuring half the width of a human hair – GRA and a number of foundations. Scientists award from the College on Problems have porous walls that can be filled with tiny “microballoons” from Georgia Tech and Morehouse School of of Drug Dependence (CPDD) at its containing gases and other materials. GHSU researchers, Medicine will collaborate with the Emory- 73rd annual meeting. including GRA Eminent Scholar Bill Dynan, are exploring CHOA partnership. how the spheres might be used as a drug delivery system or While pediatric research will be the center’s a vehicle that holds contrast agents for MRIs. primary focus, scientists also will engage in R&D magazine bestowed the award on a team of scientists drug discovery and research into adult cancer that included researchers from Savannah River National and immunology. Laboratory, Toyota, Mo-Sci Corporation and GHSU. By the end of 2011, the technology had already led to five new patents. Other technologies that have won this award over the years include the ATM, the halogen lamp, the fax machine,

Billy Howard HDTV, the LCD and the Nicoderm anti-smoking patch.

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 7 The events of 2011 | JUly – AUGUST

Jul 18 Major HIV/AIDS research consortium led by GRA Eminent Scholar Hunter Jul 13 Georgia Tech reports that start-up GRA Eminent Scholar Eric Hunter of DigitalVision may transform eye care Emory University was chosen to lead a

Office of the Governor of the Office major consortium of scientists working Governor Nathan Deal to develop a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. The effort, funded by a $26 million Jul 1 NIH grant, involves nine other prominent Emory researchers including GRA GRA role in Georgia’s Eminent Scholars Rafi Ahmed, Guido economic development Silvestri and Max Cooper. Four other research enterprises in the U.S. are strategy expands participating in the consortium as well. Emory’s scientists are seeking to

GRA’s role in growing the Georgia economy expanded in Tech Georgia develop a vaccine that prevents the July as the organization forged a closer partnership with first stages of infection from simian the Georgia Department of Economic Development Thanks to a GRA VentureLab company, the immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in (GDEcD), and the Georgia Cancer Coalition moved toward most fundamental question during an eye exam non-human primates. By understanding being formally integrated into GRA. Both actions are key – “Which is clearer, A or B?” – may become a better how SIV is transmitted as well as components of Governor Nathan Deal’s economic thing of the past. which immune responses HIV vaccines development vision for Georgia. The company, DigitalVision, is developing must generate in humans to block GRA and GDEcD also began jointly crafting strategies to a next-generation instrument that measures infections, they hope to take steps maximize the impact of Georgia’s Centers of Innovation in vision more precisely and facilitates the custom toward preventing systemic infection. accelerating the growth of the state’s strategic industries. manufacturing of glasses and contact lenses for “We couldn’t be more pleased with the opportunity to better eyesight. better connect these outstanding strategic programs with Developed at Georgia Tech, DigitalVision’s the business community,” said GDEcD Commissioner technology allows optometrists and Chris Cummiskey. “This move will further enhance the ophthalmologists to use real images, such as successful public-private partnership GRA has embodied street signs and golf greens, to help patients through the years.” compare a new prescription with their current GRA remains an independent nonprofit organization one – before lenses are made. with a unique public-private-academic governing board.

For more on the 2011 activities of the Georgia Emory Cancer Coalition and Centers of Innovation, see pages 14 and 16, respectively.

8 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Aug 6 University of Georgia discovery could lead to new flu diagnostic

Microscopic particles of gold suspended in liquid proved to be the key to a Aug 2 new technology that can GRA VentureLab company Urjanet accurately diagnose strains

Billy Howard secures $2.2 million Series A financing of influenza in mere minutes. Aug 9 The technology, Company’s breakthrough in ankle Aug 1 developed by GRA repair device gets FDA clearance New GRA Eminent Eminent Scholar Ralph Scholar seeks to Tripp and University of People with ankle joints that are improve peanut crops Georgia colleague Jeremy deformed or are degenerating Driskell, involves coating got a new treatment option with The scientist who led the mapping For large companies, a small increase the gold nanoparticles the FDA’s clearance in August of of the soybean genome arrived at in energy rates can mean hundreds of with antibodies that bind an ankle fusion nail developed the University of Georgia in August thousands of dollars in added expense. to specific flu strains – by MedShape Solutions, a GRA to continue his groundbreaking But keeping an eye on small increases then measuring how the VentureLab company. work as a GRA Eminent Scholar. can be a big task, as corporations nanoparticles scatter laser The DynaNail device, inserted At UGA, Scott Jackson will typically have thousands of agreements light. The scattered light during surgery, uses MedShape’s explore ways to produce crops that with energy utilities. fluctuates in a predictable patented “shape memory have higher yields and stronger Urjanet – a GRA VentureLab company and measurable pattern, technology.” It increases the odds defenses against pests and disease. that in August received a $2.2 million allowing the detection of of a successful ankle fusion, a Among his first targets is the round of financing – provides big a flu virus. procedure that is often the last peanut: Jackson seeks to identify companies with robust intelligence to The scientists’ detection option before amputation. genetic markers that enhance the contain costs and manage energy better. method was detailed in DynaNail represents an legume’s nutritional value and Born in the labs of Georgia Tech, the August edition of the alternative to the bulky frames reduce or eliminate its allergic threat. Urjanet’s technology pulls data journal Analyst. that surgeons typically use to Jackson’s earlier research at from multiple utilities and feeds the connect a patient’s lower leg to Purdue University helped accelerate information directly into customers’ the foot in ankle fusion surgery. the tailored breeding of soybeans, analytic software. The frames often result in poor clearing the way to optimize growth Earlier in the year, Urjanet became fusion of the ankle bones as well as of the plant for different purposes, the fourth company to receive an considerable pain for the patient. including biofuels. investment from GRA Venture Fund, LLC, a private investment fund created to advance promising companies emerging through GRA VentureLab. Electron microscope image of a gold nanoparticle

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 9 The events of 2011 | AUGUST – OCTOBER

Sep 14 GRA Eminent Scholar to lead new Atlanta Pediatric Device Consortium

A smartphone attachment for conduct- ing ear examinations at home and a special gel that slows the re-fusion of a Sep 19 child’s skull bones after surgery are two CAU cancer research center of the technologies to be investigated by honored for its contributions a consortium focusing on new medical devices that meet the needs of children. GRA Eminent Scholar Shafiq Led by GRA Eminent Scholar Barbara Khan accepted a proclama- Boyan of Georgia Tech, the Atlanta tion from the Atlanta City Sep 26 Pediatric Device Consortium was Council in September to New insights into cancer launched with a $1.8 million grant from celebrate the work of Clark therapies emerge at GHSU the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Atlanta University’s Center for Adult medical devices are typically Cancer Research and used to treat children, but they can Therapeutic Development Billy Howard perform inadequately because a child’s (CCRTD). The center, which Aug 25 size and immune system are different Khan heads, is the nation’s Cutting carbon emissions is the aim from an adult’s. The consortium seeks largest research enterprise of energy project at Georgia Tech to take new pediatric devices from the dedicated to the study of

idea stage to the marketplace. prostate cancer in the African Phil Jones Coal-burning power plants are among the Georgia Tech, Emory University, American community. cheapest sources of energy, but reducing Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Turning off an enzyme in tumors their harmful carbon emissions is a complex Saint Joseph’s Translational Research joined Council President Ceasar that suppresses the body’s challenge. A $2.4 million federal grant Institute are co-recipients of the grant. Mitchell in honoring the CCRTD immune response is the target awarded in August to a project led by GRA Boyan and Joseph Williams (below) for its “excellence in research, of research by GRA Eminent Eminent Scholar Bill Koros (Georgia Tech) are designing a gel to delay the re-fusion outreach and instruction.” The Scholar Andrew Mellor. In 2011, will advance discovery of new technology of a child’s skull bones after surgery center continues to advance Mellor and Georgia Health that could reduce the amount of energy for craniosynostosis. discovery of potential new Sciences University colleague needed to capture carbon emissions. treatments for prostate cancer, David Munn shed new light Working with GE Global Research, Koros which has a 65 percent higher on the enzyme, IDO, which will focus on developing a new polymer incidence among African may help explain why cancer that would help isolate carbon dioxide from American men than within the therapeutic vaccines work other gases before it leaves the coal-burning general population. better in the laboratory than on plant. If successful, the carbon-capture patients. The scientists’ work technology could be applied to new and was featured in a cover story of existing power plants. the Journal of Immunology. The U. S. Department of Energy funded

the grant. Gary Meek

10 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Oct 4 Complications from diabetes are the focus of research by GRA Eminent Scholar Cheng

Generating new understanding of how to treat two of the most common and debili- tating complications of diabetes is the aim of new research in 2011 by GRA Eminent Scholar Xiaodong Cheng. Cheng and colleague Young-Sup Yoon, both of Emory University, are part of a research team that received a $6.1 million NIH grant to reprogram cells taken from bone marrow Oct 18 or peripheral blood of patients with diabetes. VaxyGen enters into license The grant was announced in October. agreement with GSU to speed The team will test how well the repro- vaccine and drug development

Jack Kearse grammed cells can ease nerve damage from high blood sugar as well as treat peripheral Oct 1 artery disease, the narrowing of peripheral arteries. Scientists from Georgia Tech, the Emory Vaccine Center joins University of Alabama and the University How to make drug and vaccine global partnership to accelerate of California-San Diego are participating in development more efficient and the research. economical is a monumental vaccine development challenge in medicine, but a new collaboration between a GRA The Emory Vaccine Center (EVC) in October joined a VentureLab company and Georgia massive collaborative effort designed to speed the develop- State University scientists is tackling ment of next-generation human vaccines. the challenge head-on. Led by Novartis, the Advanced Immunization Technologies Through a license agreement partnership unites 42 universities and research organizations between VaxyGen Manufacturing in 13 countries. Services and the Georgia State EVC’s participation capped a big year for the Center, University Research Foundation, the which is led by GRA Eminent Scholar Rafi Ahmed: university researchers will provide • In July, EVC researchers announced a way to predict a new way to produce and purify whether a person will produce high levels of antibodies the proteins needed for developing

against the flu just a few days after vaccination. Billy Howard pharmaceuticals and vaccines. • In February, the scientific journal Nature reported on the VaxyGen will also commercialize Center’s success in designing nanoparticles that induce the expertise of researchers in a lifelong immunity in mice. The particles – which mimic GSU biological process laboratory how the yellow fever vaccine stimulates immunity – could that GRA helped equip. provide a way to stretch vaccine supply during a pandemic or when a new infection emerges.

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 11 The events of 2011 | NOVEMBER – DECEMBER

Nov 3 GRA VentureLab companies shine in regional competition

GRA’s VentureLab made a strong showing at the 2011 BIO/Plan Competition at Southeast BIO: The contest winner, two of the Nov 14 four finalists, and five of the 10 GRA Eminent Scholar developing new semifinalists all received GRA method to advance stem cell therapy

VentureLab investment early in Gary Meek their development. The process of getting stem cells to the Nov 7 Competition winner point where they can repair damaged Transcatheter Valve Technologies Gates Foundation backs use of tissue got a boost in 2011 through — born in the laboratories of the research of GRA Eminent Scholar Emory University — is developing GT-Emory invention to fight polio Stephen Dalton. a technology that replaces mitral Dalton (below) and University of valves in the heart using needle- The Georgia Tech-Emory invention of a tiny patch that injects Georgia colleague Laura Menendez puncture instead of open incision. vaccines through dissolving needles may be the newest weapon developed a method to direct pluripotent Newly launched Viamune, also a in efforts to eradicate polio. stem cells to become neural crest cells, finalist, is developing a vaccine The microneedle patch, which GRA supported with a the type that are precursors to neurons, for breast cancer based on VentureLab grant, caught the attention of the Bill & Melinda bone cells and smooth muscle cells. collaborative research between Gates Foundation. In November, the Foundation awarded The method cuts in half the time the University of Georgia and the Georgia Tech a grant to test the patch as a way to administer needed to develop neural crest cells, Mayo Clinic. the polio vaccine. which means more cells will be available Now in its fifth year, the Current polio vaccinations are given through injections or oral for drug testing and cell transplantation. competition is staged at the dosages. However, injections are costly, and oral vaccines can, annual investor forum for SEBIO, in rare instances, cause polio. The microneedle patch represents which was co-founded by GRA. a safer, simpler and more affordable alternative. The 2011 event drew 400 life Georgia Tech’s Mark Prausnitz (above) will collaborate with science entrepreneurs, executives, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists and investors. on the project. University of Georgia University

12 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Nov 22 DEC 19 Breakthrough technique GRA VentureLab company advances understanding developing promising vaccine of molecules for cancer

Viamune, a start-up launched out of DEC 14 the University of Georgia in 2011 with NeurOp gains seed funding from GRA VentureLab, vote of confidence, will help commercialize a promising additional funding new cancer vaccine and the technologies used to create it. Pharmaceutical giant The vaccine was developed through Bristol-Myers Squibb a partnership between researchers at DEC 2 announced it would provide UGA and the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Stem cells implanted in pigs yield GRA VentureLab company It dramatically reduced tumors in a promising signs for therapies NeurOp with funding for an mouse model that mimics 90 percent additional year of research of human breast and pancreatic into a drug treatment for cancer cases – including those that major depression and resist common treatments.

University of Georgia University neuropathic pain. The researchers used unique mice The additional funding developed at the Mayo Clinic. As with Advances in drug development enables NeurOp to build on a humans, the mice develop tumors and insights into patient health two-year collaboration with that overexpress a protein known as are just two of the possible Bristol-Myers Squibb and MUC1 on the surface of their cells. outcomes from a GRA Eminent move its research toward “This vaccine elicits a very strong Scholar’s development of a development of a drug immune response,” says UGA new technique involving X-ray The future safety of stem cell therapies candidate and human clinical researcher Geert-Jan Boons (below), crystallography to analyze the took a step forward in 2011 with a studies. The company was who founded Viamune. “It activates structure of molecules. discovery by GRA Eminent Scholar Steve launched based on research all three components of the immune Since large molecule crystals Stice and colleague Franklin West. at Emory University. system to reduce tumor size by an are ultimately destroyed while Stice and West, both of the University Neuropathic pain is average of 80 percent.” being scanned by X-ray beams, of Georgia, found that certain stem cells – chronic pain that often does GRA Eminent Scholar B. C. Wang called induced pluripotent stem cells, or not respond to standard pain at the University of Georgia used iPSCs – that produce tumors in rodents treatments and can worsen multiple scans obtained with failed to produce tumors in pigs. Because over time. lower doses of radiation to form a pigs are genetically more like humans composite picture. The lower- than rodents, the absence of tumors in dose scans preserve the integrity the 11 pigs studied suggests that iPSCs of the crystal longer, allowing may be viable to treat disease in humans. researchers to obtain more

accurate and complete data. of Georgia University

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 13 THE GEORGIA CANCER COALITION A year of strategic advance

In July 2011, the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC) came into the GRA fold as part of a larger effort to align Georgia’s economic development assets. GCC sparks new discovery through its Distinguished Cancer Clinicians and Scientists; promotes cancer prevention and education through six regional coalitions; expands access to cancer clinical trials through its partner enterprise, Georgia CORE; and coordinates development of a statewide tissue and tumor bank.

Like GRA, the Georgia Cancer Coalition had a productive 2011. Following are just a few highlights of the Coalition’s work during the year.

••• Malignant brain tumors are also the focus of a project launched in 2011 by Distinguished Cancer Scientist and GRA Distinguished Investigator Haian Fu. The Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, which Fu directs, received a $1.5 million grant to study the genomic alterations of glioblastomas, the most aggressive and deadliest of adult brain tumors, and interactions among proteins encoded by the tumor’s genes. “By targeting

Rob Felt Rob these protein-protein interactions, we may be able to

Georgia Tech’s Ravi Bellamkonda, a Distinguished Cancer Scientist, disrupt the main pathways involved in glioblastoma Emory directs a research effort to fight pediatric brain tumors. The project formation and progression,” Fu said. Tools from newly launched company SpectroPen let surgeons received a $1 million NCI grant in 2011. actually see cancer cells. The technology is based on the work of Emory University’s Shuming Nie, a Distinguished Cancer Scientist. Directing brain tumor cells outside a child’s brain to ••• increase the odds they can be removed or killed is the Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia, with more than ••• aim of a new research project funded in 2011 with a 200 members statewide, held its third annual confer- The work of Shuming Nie, Distinguished Cancer $1 million National Cancer Institute grant. Scientists at ence in August. The multi-disciplinary organization Scientist and director of the cancer nanotechnology Georgia Tech, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) connects lay and professional patient navigators as programs at Emory University, led to the launch of and Aflac Cancer Center are collaborating on the they help patients, survivors, families and caregivers SpectroPen, Inc. early in 2011. The start-up company is research, which was seeded by a Georgia Cancer navigate the many systems encountered during the developing handheld devices and new contrast agents Coalition grant. They are focusing on medulloblasto- cancer diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care process. (including nanoparticles) for image-guided surgery. mas – highly malignant brain tumors that account for GCC received a private gift of $250,000 in 2011 from Currently, surgeons must rely on visual inspection of one out of every five brain tumors in children. Tom and Karen Chapman of Atlanta to expand the the surgical field to determine how much tissue to Directing the project is Distinguished Cancer Scientist cancer patient navigation efforts in Georgia. GCC and remove. SpectroPen’s technology will allow the Ravi Bellamkonda at Georgia Tech. He is joined by the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology co-founded surgeon to actually see cancer cells and potentially fellow Distinguished Cancer Scientist Tobey MacDonald, Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia. provide a level of certainty about the margins of a director of pediatric neuro-oncology at the Aflac Cancer malignancy. The added precision could not only Center and CHOA’s Blood Disorder Service, and Barun improve patient survival but also reduce the need for Brahma, a CHOA pediatric neurosurgeon. post-operative radiation and chemotherapy.

14 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report ••• ••• The Regional Cancer Coalitions of Georgia bring the Georgia Tech and Emory researchers gained new programs of the Georgia Cancer Coalition close to understanding of how cells process bits of RNA home for Georgians throughout the state. Focusing (ribonucleic acid) that are embedded in genomic on community-based screening, prevention and DNA. What makes the findings notable is the education, the six nonprofit organizations served increasing evidence that the genomic DNA of cells 130 counties in 2011. The coalitions’ programs are could be significantly ‘contaminated’ with RNA. tailored to each region’s needs and include smoking Francesca Storici, a Distinguished Cancer Scientist cessation, colorectal cancer screening, breast cancer at Georgia Tech, and her colleagues sought to screening and patient assistance. determine how cells tolerate the presence of RNA in

An example: In December 2011, three south Georgia their DNA – and whether DNA repair mechanisms Gary Meek agencies received grants from the Southwest Georgia recognize distortions in RNA/DNA hybrids present Distinguished Cancer Scientist Francesca Storici (center) and graduate students Ying Shen and Kyung Duk Koh, all of Georgia Cancer Coalition to help address critical needs of cancer in the genome. Their study established that bits of Tech, collaborated with Emory University’s Bernard Weiss to patients in their communities. The grants provide RNA embedded in chromosomal DNA, if not promptly develop new insights into how cells process components of RNA. emergency aid to help patients and their families buy removed, are sources of genetic modification, and medication or cover the cost of rent and utilities. that cells use independent repair pathways to ••• remove them. If the mechanisms for removing RNA Due in large part to the efforts of the Georgia Center ••• contaminations from DNA are defective, the risk of for Oncology Research and Education (Georgia CORE), The Emory Personalized Immunotherapy Center (EPIC), mutations is very high. the number of oncology clinical trials in Georgia rose under the direction of Distinguished Cancer Scientist to 459 in 2011 – a 41 percent increase from 2009. Jacques Galipeau, launched a new cell handling facility ••• According to the American Cancer Society, such trials at Emory University Hospital in 2011. EPIC focuses on A research seed grant from the Georgia Cancer Coalition play a key role in increasing life expectancy and cellular and biological therapies that use a patient’s own to scientists at Georgia Tech helped cement a new improving quality of life for people fighting cancer. The cells as a weapon to seek and destroy cells that make research partnership between IBM and the university. majority of the Georgia clinical trials are in leading forms a person sick. The new core facility will enable first-in- Called “One Million Healthy Children,” the initiative of cancer – breast, colorectal, lung and prostate. Four human clinical trials of cell therapy platforms to treat is applying advanced systems modeling and large- out of every 10 clinical trials are offered outside greater catastrophic conditions, including cancer. scale data analysis to integrate vast amounts of new Atlanta, a sign that Georgia CORE is bringing clinical information into children’s healthcare. treatments to communities throughout the state. Reaching well beyond laboratory tests, researchers will look at transportation, socio-economic status, food ••• resources, education and myriad other variables – all The 2011 Georgia Cancer Summit marked two of which impact children’s health but are unknown to anniversaries – the 40th of the nation’s “War on doctors. The goal is to broaden the healthcare view Cancer” and the 10th of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. from simply treating disease to promoting informed Held in June, the Summit welcomed John Seffrin, CEO long-term wellness and disease prevention. Collaborat- of the American Cancer Society, as keynote speaker ing on the project are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and featured panel discussions on federal priorities, the Georgia Department of Community Health and presentations on cancer research in Georgia and Emory University. updates on GCC’s 10-year statewide cancer initiatives.

Distinguished Cancer Scientist Jacques Galipeau leads a new Emory center investigating how a patient’s own cells might be used as a weapon against other cells that cause illness.

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 15 CENTERS OF INNOVATION envisioned for the Corridor include those that develop Leveraging the past to prepare for the future electric technologies, battery technology, electric vehicles, engineering services, alternative energy and Since 2003, Georgia has targeted several industry clusters for growth. For each cluster, the state designated waste-to-energy technologies. a Center of Innovation to connect companies with industry experts and university researchers. As part of their Advanced Manufacturing closer alignment in 2011, GRA and the Georgia Department of Economic Development explored ways to maximize the impact of these centers to accelerate industry growth. Companies large and small tapped Georgia Tech resources in 2011, thanks in part to the Center of Here is a brief report on select accomplishments and activities of the seven Centers of Innovation. Innovation for Advanced Manufacturing. A matching grant from the center helped ignite an R&D partnership between Georgia Tech and Polymer buildings of Delta Air Lines World Headquarters as a Aging Concepts, a small, rural manufacturer. Together, Historic Aerospace Site. The event culminated 18 months the two will work to design an innovative manufac- of teamwork between the Center of Innovation for turing process and specialized equipment for PAC’s Aerospace and Delta. revolutionary sensors – which in turn will help the Located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International company better meet market demand and expand its Airport, the Delta HQ joined nine other sites – including workforce and facilities. Tranquility Base on the moon – as a designated Historic For Exide Batteries, a large battery manufacturer Aerospace Site. The center worked with Delta to gather headquartered in Milton, the connection with Georgia data for the nomination, prepare paperwork and Tech supported the company’s earlier expansion of promote the nomination to the selection committee. operations to Columbus, Georgia. The company’s Albany-based Thrush Aircraft and Middle Georgia College got the AIAA is the world’s largest technical society growth created 200 new jobs (and the possibility of help of Georgia’s Center of Innovation for Aerospace to purchase technology and start a testing program. dedicated to the global aerospace profession. The adding 150 more in the future). Association’s Historic Sites program promotes the Also in 2011: the Quality Group, which specializes in preservation and importance of significant blended learning systems, partnered with the center to Aerospace accomplishments for the aerospace industry. offer a turnkey Lean Six Sigma certification program Thrush Aircraft needed specialized test flight equipment through Georgia’s technical colleges. The certification to get its new 510G model ready for FAA certification. Energy Technology program is designed to help Georgia manufacturers Middle Georgia College in Cochran needed to equip its The Center of Innovation for Energy Technology is a and service companies easily equip their workforces new Institute for Advanced Aviation Research. founding partner of the GreenTech Corridor, an area with the Six Sigma principles leading to increased Thanks to the Center of Innovation for Aerospace, of 700-plus acres in Marietta being redeveloped as a efficiency and increased profit. both company and college got what they needed. research and development community. A seed grant from the center allowed MGC Aviation In 2011, the center and other partners advanced the Life Sciences to purchase flight sensors and a data collection GreenTech Corridor vision by laying vital infrastructure; When faced with the obstacles involved in testing system, which, through a loan agreement, Thrush designing and funding a street widening and beautifi- products with patients in a healthcare setting, the could use to test its new aircraft. In turn, Thrush cation project; and converting an old apartment sensing and tracking technology company MedEyes provided training for MGC students and faculty, and complex into a “green park” for the City of Marietta turned to the Center of Innovation for Life Sciences. MGC will have new tools for research and education. and a future business park. MedEyes’ technology addresses some of the most The project also led to 30 new production jobs at The Department of Community Affairs also urgent problems in medicine, such as hospital- Thrush’s headquarters in Albany. designated the GreenTech Corridor an opportunity acquired infections and patient falls. Through the Also in 2011: The American Institute of Aeronautics zone, thus making it more attractive to companies in center’s connections with Georgia Health Sciences and Astronautics (AIAA) dedicated the original 1940s growth or early R&D stages. The kinds of companies University, MedEyes partnered with the university’s

16 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Interdisciplinary Simulation Center, which provides The center then helped Multitrade speed conversion Georgia Olive Farms, an agricultural cooperative, is true-to-life human models and state-of-the-art of a former Fruit of the Loom manufacturing facility working with the center to determine the viability of simulation services to train future healthcare providers. into a producer of electricity, with Green Power EMC as Georgia as the primary olive oil producer on the When the company and the school met, it became clear its main customer. Today, Multitrade has generated 20 East Coast. The co-op reached a major milestone in that both organizations would benefit from MedEyes direct and 75 indirect jobs in Rabun Gap. 2011 when it completed the first commercial olive piloting its technology in the GHSU training facility. The center’s matchmaking also helped Rollcast harvest and oil pressing in Georgia in nearly 200 Since the pilot project began, MedEyes has installed Energy meet the people needed to start construction years. An Associated Press story on the milestone ran its systems in two outpatient clinics in Texas. The of its Piedmont Green Power facility in Lamar County. in media outlets nationwide. Veterans Nursing Home in Milledgeville will also use When completed, the $218 million biomass-to- Lauri Jo’s Southern Style Canning, LLC is a the MedEyes product in its new Alzheimer’s Building. renewable energy project will hire more than two dozen family-owned business that began as a much loved full-time employees, generating up to $1.5 million in hobby and recently won the Best of Atlanta Award at Logistics wages annually. John Campbell, Rollcast Energy’s the AmericasMart Atlanta Gourmet Market. The Convening various parties is key to growing Georgia’s managing director, calls the center “a great networking Center of Innovation for Agribusiness is helping Lauri logistics industry. Early in 2011, the Center of Innova- tool” and credits the approach with helping his project Jo’s maintain its focus on using locally grown tion for Logistics did just that by hosting the Georgia reach potential suppliers quickly and efficiently. Georgia produce in specialty food products, which Logistics Summit. Since 2009, the Summit has tripled are now sold in 32 states and internationally. in size, attracting more than 1,200 participants in 2011. Agribusiness White Oaks Pastures is a multigenerational family Summit attendees came from 21 states and a handful The Center of Innovation for Agribusiness is helping farm producing artisan products that are healthy, safe, of foreign countries, with 85 percent representing three companies capitalize on the current trends of nutritious and delicious. Currently, White Oaks is private industry. “buying local” and focusing on healthy foods made working with the center to complete a research Also in 2011: Navigating the special handling through eco-friendly production. project for establishing a free-range chicken operation. requirements for highly regulated healthcare products proved to be a major challenge for Trio Healthcare. The Center of Innovation for Logistics helped the Georgia’s first commercial United Kingdom-based company cut through that olive harvest in 200 years complexity – and in record time. Thanks to the was aided in part by the Center of Innovation for center’s help, Trio gained clarity about how to work Agribusiness. An AP story with a third-party logistics provider to adhere to about Georgia Olive Farms regulations. The fast-growing company also took ran nationwide. steps toward making Georgia its U.S. headquarters.

Bioenergy Deep knowledge of key industry players has enabled the Center of Innovation for Bioenergy to make the right connections at the right time. Two years ago, the center introduced North Star Development to Stone Workman, who was Georgia manager of rural development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. North Star was looking to fund a biomass-fired renewable energy facility in Rabun Gap, and Workman brought in Rural Utility Services, which contracted with Multitrade Rabun Gap, LLC to provide long-term debt funding.

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 17 MORE ABOUT GRA Cumulative Giving to the Georgia Research Alliance Creating leverage to grow the Georgia economy Without gifts from companies, foundations and individuals, GRA wouldn’t exist. Private gifts fuel GRA’s organizational development and provide the working capital needed to capture strategic opportunities. Funds from the State of Georgia are dedicated to GRA’s programs. For more than 20 years, this public/private model has been the foundation of GRA’s success. The Georgia Research Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization working to expand frontier research in Georgia’s universities to launch new $250,000 and above CSX Transportation Bank South companies and create high-wage jobs. GRA Anonymous Bradley Currey, Jr. Michael Baxter Communications accomplishes its work in three interrelated ways: AT&T Delta Air Lines BITS/Financial Services Roundtable in CF Foundation, Inc. Equifax honor of James M. Wells III • Recruiting world-class scientists to universities The Coca-Cola Company Genuine Parts Company James H. Blanchard as GRA Eminent Scholars®. The research of these Georgia Power Foundation GRA Staff Byers Engineering scholars focuses on areas vital to growing United Parcel Service Norfolk Southern Foundation Charter Medical Corporation Georgia’s economy – primarily the biosciences, Robert W. Woodruff Foundation David M. Ratcliffe CIBA Vision Corporation advanced communications, high-performance Sea Island Company Cox Enterprises computing and renewable energy. In coming to $100,000 – 249,999 Siemens Corporation Thomas Crotty First Union National Bank Georgia, GRA Eminent Scholars typically bring Aflac Foundation, Inc. William B. Turner Fund of the Bradley- Turner Foundation Russell R. French with them additional research talent and funding. GE Georgia Crown Distributing Company Waffle House Foundation Gray Communication Systems The Marcus Foundation, Inc. The Weathertop Foundation Healthdyne • Investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure for Regions Financial Corporation Heidrick & Struggles university laboratories. By providing scientists SunTrust Directed Funds – SunTrust $10,000 – 24,999 G. Thomas Hough with sophisticated tools and technology Foundation Ackerman Family Foundation L. Phillip Humann needed to perform groundbreaking work, GRA Wachovia Foundation/The Wells Fargo AirTran Airways Logan Ide creates leverage to bring in substantial federal Foundation, Inc. Bank of America Charitable Interface, Inc. and foundation research funding. Foundation International Murex $50,000 – 99,999 W. Frank Barron Jackson Spalding Communications Acuity Brands Bell Family Foundation Management • Helping to commercialize discovery and AGL Resources, Inc. Computer Generation Jones Day invention. By supporting the launch of new Arcapita Ventures James Copeland MasterCard Worldwide in honor of companies, GRA moves the most promising James S. Balloun Deloitte James M. Wells III research toward the marketplace. GRA’s Bradley-Turner Foundation, Inc. The Fickling Family Foundation Charles H. (Pete) McTier VentureLab program provides seed money in R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation John and Mary Franklin Foundation Bryan Moss the crucial stage between discovery and launch Flowers Foods Georgia-Pacific Foundation David Perryman as well as expertise to help manage the risks GRA Eminent Scholars Gold Kist Elizabeth B. and Alan C. Ramsay, Jr. Fund of the Bradley-Turner Foundation associated with science and technology startups. The Imlay Foundation Intelligent Systems Resonance Marketing Lockheed Martin Kilpatrick Stockton LLP Riverwood International Synovus Financial Corporation Matria Healthcare Georgia’s $560 million investment over the past Rock-Tenn Company The Tull Charitable Foundation National Service Industries 20 years has brought a return of more than Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce The University Financing Foundation Oglethorpe Power $2.6 billion in new federal and private funds for Servidyne (TUFF) Southwire Co. research and startup capital; the launch of more The Williams Family Foundation Shaw Industries Jennie Sheppard than 230 companies; and the creation of more Up to $10,000 Lizanne Thomas than 5,700 high-value jobs. $25,000 – 49,999 Aaron’s Thomaston Mills Frederick and Helen Cooper Charitable AtheroGenics, Inc. Foundation United Distributors AviGenics, Inc./Synageva BioPharma Cousins Properties Corp. Felker W. Ward, Jr.

18 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Board of Trustees, 2011 - 2012 GRA Staff

William H. Linginfelter Ricardo Azziz George E. Deese David M. Ratcliffe C. Michael Cassidy Chair President Chairman of the Board & CEO Retired President and CEO Area President - Georgia Health Sciences Flowers Foods Southern Company Georgia/South Carolina University Susan G. Shows Regions Financial Senior Vice President William A. Fickling, Jr. Joseph W. Rogers, Jr. Corporation Mark P. Becker Chairman of the Board Chairman and CEO H. Lee Herron President Mulberry Street Waffle House, Inc. Vice President, Commercialization Clyde C. Tuggle Georgia State University Investment Company Sidney W. Elliott Vice Chair John W. Somerhalder II Director, Business Strategy Senior Vice President, Thomas D. Bell, Jr. Larry L. Gellerstedt III Chairman, President and CEO Chief Public Affairs and Chairman President and CEO AGL Resources Bernadette Kight Communications Officer Mesa Capital Partners, LLC Cousins Properties, Inc. Executive Assistant The Coca-Cola Company Lizanne Thomas Amy C. Moore Jean-Luc Brédas Douglas J. Hertz Partner-in-Charge – Atlanta Director, Research Programs Charles H. (Pete) McTier GRA Eminent Scholar President and CEO Jones Day Secretary-Treasurer Georgia Institute of Technology United Distributors, Inc. Angela K. Patterson Trustee Director, Outreach Programs Robert W. Woodruff T. Rogers Wade Foundation Carlton E. Brown Allen S. Moseley Chairman Kathleen K. Robichaud President General Partner Georgia Public Policy Foundation Director, Communications Clark Atlanta University Noro-Moseley Partners F. Duane Ackerman Amy L. Todd Chairman Emeritus James W. Wagner Business Manager BellSouth Corporation Frederick E. Cooper Thomas E. Noonan President Chairman CEO Emory University Kitty Forbes Vogt Cooper Capital, LLC JouleX, Inc. Director, Development Michael F. Adams President Felker W. Ward, Jr. The University of Georgia Kenneth C. Cornelius Charles H. Ogburn Principal President and CEO Non-executive Chairman of Pinnacle Investment Siemens One the Board Advisors, LLC Partner Universities Kathelen V. Amos Crawford & Company President Aflac Foundation Thomas G. Cousins James M. Wells III Clark Atlanta University Chairman Emeritus G. P. “Bud” Peterson Executive Chairman Cousins Properties, Inc. President SunTrust Banks, Inc. Emory University Paul S. Amos II Georgia Institute of President, Aflac Georgia Health Sciences University Technology COO, Aflac U.S. Chris Cummiskey Georgia Institute of Technology Commissioner Georgia Department of Georgia State University Economic Development The University of Georgia

Through the Georgia Cancer Coalition, an initiative of GRA, partnerships are developing with Morehouse School of Medicine and Mercer University.

Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report 19 GRA EMINENT SCHOLARS®

GRA has helped recruit some of the greatest minds in the nation (and world) to Georgia as GRA Eminent Scholars. These men and women advance scientific discovery, generate investment in their work and build the foundation for launching new products and companies. Rafi Ahmed, Ph.D. Clifton A. Baile, Ph.D. M. Bruce Beck, Ph.D. Jeffrey Bennetzen, Ph.D. Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D. Vaccine Development Agricultural Biotechnology Water Quality & Molecular Biology & Tissue Engineering Emory University University of Georgia Environmental Systems Functional Genomics Georgia Institute University of Georgia University of Georgia of Technology

Jean-Luc Brédas, Ph.D. Gee-Kung Chang, Ph.D. Xiaodong Cheng, Ph.D. Max D. Cooper, M.D. John A. Copeland, Ph.D. James C. Cox, Ph.D. Edward J. Coyle, Ph.D. John C. Crittenden, Ph.D. Molecular Design Optical Networking Structural Biology Immunology Technology Transfer Experimental Economics Integration of Research Sustainable Systems Georgia Institute Georgia Institute Emory University Emory University Georgia Institute Georgia State University & Education Georgia Institute of Technology of Technology of Technology Georgia Institute of Technology of Technology

Stephen Dalton, Ph.D. Roberto Docampo, Russell Dupuis, Ph.D. William S. Dynan, Ph.D. James D. Foley, Ph.D. Don P. Giddens, Ph.D. Michael J. Hannafin, Ph.D. Stephen C. Harvey, Ph.D. Molecular Cell Biology M.D., Ph.D. Electro-Optical Systems Molecular Biology Telecommunications Biomedical Engineering Technology Enhanced Computational Structural University of Georgia Tropical and Emerging Georgia Institute Georgia Health Georgia Institute Georgia Institute Learning Biology Global Diseases & of Technology Sciences University of Technology of Technology University of Georgia Georgia Institute Cellular Biology of Technology University of Georgia

Julia K. Hilliard, Ph.D. Xiaoping Hu, Ph.D. Eric Hunter, Ph.D. Scott Jackson, Ph.D. Jiri Janata, Ph.D. Nikil S. Jayant, Ph.D. Biing H. Juang, Ph.D. Shafiq A. Khan, Ph.D. Molecular Biotechnology Biomedical Imaging Retroviral Molecular Biology Plant Genetics and Sensors & Instrumentation Wireless Systems Advanced Communications Cellular Biology of Cancer Georgia State University Emory University Emory University Functional Genomics Georgia Institute Georgia Institute Georgia Institute Clark Atlanta University University of Georgia of Technology of Technology of Technology

20 Georgia Research Alliance 2011 Annual Report Allan D. Kirk, M.D., Ph.D. Ami Klin, Ph.D. William J. Koros, Ph.D. Michael J. Kuhar, Ph.D. Brian Leyland-Jones, Jian-Dong Li, M.D., Ph.D. Robert J. Maier, Ph.D. Lars Mathiassen, Ph.D. Transplant Immunology Autism and Related Membrane Science Neuropharmacology M.D., Ph.D. Inflammation and Immunity Microbial Physiology Business Process Innovation Emory University Disorders and Technology Emory University Cancer Therapies Georgia State University University of Georgia Georgia State University Emory University Georgia Institute Emory University of Technology

Lin Mei, M.D., Ph.D. Andrew L. Mellor, Ph.D. Vasu Nair, Ph.D. James H. Prestegard, Joel Saltz, M.D., Ph.D. Jin-Xiong She, Ph.D. David S. Sholl, Ph.D. Guido Silvestri, M.D. Neuroscience Molecular Immunogenetics Drug Discovery Ph.D. Biomedical Informatics Biotechnology and Energy Sustainability Comparative Pathology Georgia Health Georgia Health University of Georgia NMR Spectroscopy Emory University Genomic Medicine Georgia Institute Emory University Sciences University Sciences University University of Georgia Georgia Health of Technology Sciences University

Jeffrey Skolnick, Ph.D. Samuel H. Speck, Ph.D. Max E. Stachura, M.D. Steven L. Stice, Ph.D. Rick P. Trebino, Ph.D. Ralph A. Tripp, Ph.D. Chung-Jui Tsai, Ph.D. Joe Z. Tsien, Ph.D. Computational Systems Molecular Pathogenesis Telemedicine Animal Reproductive Ultrafast Optical Physics Vaccine & Therapeutic Forest Biotechnology Cognitive and Systems Biology Emory University Georgia Health Physiology Georgia Institute Development University of Georgia Neurobiology Georgia Institute Sciences University University of Georgia of Technology University of Georgia Georgia Health of Technology Sciences University

Rao R. Tummala, Ph.D. Eberhard O. Voit, Ph.D. B. C. Wang, Ph.D. Binghe Wang, Ph.D. Peng George Wang, Marilyn C. Wolf, Ph.D. Ying Xu, Ph.D. Robert K. Yu, Ph.D., Electronic & Bio-electronic Systems Biology Structural Biology Drug Discovery Ph.D. Embedded Computer Bioinformatics & Med.Sc.D. Systems by System- Georgia Institute University of Georgia and New Diagnostics Chemical Glycobiology Systems Computational Biology Molecular & Cellular on-Package of Technology Georgia State University Georgia State University Georgia Institute University of Georgia Neurobiology Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Health of Technology Sciences University What will the days of 2012 bring?

Find out by visiting GRA Perspectives, the official blog of the Georgia Research Alliance, at GRAperspectives.org. Cert o. n XXX-XXX-XX X 50 Hurt Plaza · Suite 1220 · Atlanta, GA 30303 · 404.332.9770 · www.gra.org