Atlanta, Georgia – Shriners Children’s, a renowned nonprofit specializing in pediatric healthcare, is going to build a large medical research facility in Atlanta. This will open up a lot of new opportunities and innovations in Georgia’s healthcare system. Last week, Governor Brian Kemp confirmed the intentions. He said that the Shriners Children’s Research Institute will open at Science Square, which is becoming a center for life sciences near Georgia Tech.
The investment is worth more than $153 million and is expected to bring 470 new employment to the area. Governor Kemp was excited with the news and said that it shows how Georgia is a leader in talent and innovation.
“Shriners Children’s is an incredible addition to Georgia’s growing nonprofit, R&D, and life sciences communities,” said Governor Brian Kemp.
“Our commitment to being the Top State for Talent attracts outstanding organizations and partners like this that further life-changing research at our top-ranked research universities across the state. I’m grateful for Shriners Children’s decision to bet on Georgia and our talent to improve lives for generations to come.”
Shriners Children’s is known worldwide for its specialized care for kids with orthopedic problems, spinal cord injuries, burns, and cleft lip and palate. It was founded in 1922 by members of Shriners International. The organization’s dedication goes beyond taking care of patients; it also puts a lot of effort into cutting-edge medical research and training for healthcare professionals. Shriners Children’s has helped patients in every U.S. state, every Canadian province, and 128 other countries in the past year alone. This shows how far-reaching its effects are.
Dr. Leslie D. Stewart, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Shriners Children’s, talked about why Atlanta was chosen for this new project. He talked about the unique opportunities to work together with top research institutions in the area, like Georgia Tech and Emory University, which could speed up new discoveries in pediatric healthcare.
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Dr. Marc Lalande, Vice President of Research Programs for Shriners Children’s, called the new research institute a “multidisciplinary innovation center” that will work to improve therapies for kids. He said that working with top scientists and biomedical engineers in Atlanta would be very important for making new therapies, from gene and cell therapies to cutting-edge medical gadgets.
The Shriners Children’s Research Institute will be based at Science Square Labs, which is in a good location to strengthen ties with Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area. The group wants to hire specialists in a variety of areas, including robots, artificial intelligence, biologics, and data informatics. Also, administrative and support staff will be employed, giving Georgians who want to work for a mission-driven organization a chance to do so.
Local authorities, like Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, praised the investment for not just making good employment but also making Atlanta an increasingly renowned place for healthcare innovation around the world. Robb Pitts, the chairman of the Fulton County Commission, agreed with this and said that projects like these help the area thrive economically and do cutting-edge research.
Officials in charge of economic development in Georgia and the surrounding areas were also pleased with the news. Pat Wilson, the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, stressed the collaboration that brought Shriners Children’s to Georgia. He said that the research institute is a good example of the collaborative approach that has made Georgia a great place for world-class firms to do business.
If you want to learn more about job openings or the different types of care that Shriners Children’s offers, you can find more information at shrinerschildrens.org.
