NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) today officially opened its new 40,000 square foot Research Institute in Manhattan, one of the largest laboratories in the world devoted exclusively to stem cell research. The new facility, which also contains the headquarters of NYSCF, an independent, non-profit organization founded in 2005 to support cutting-edge stem cell research, will allow scientists to conduct the most advanced research to develop new and better treatments and cures. This new facility will expand NYSCF’s capabilities and capacity to build novel technological resources for the stem cell field.
The new NYSCF complex includes a glass-enclosed laboratory housing the NYSCF Global Stem Cell Array, a unique, NYSCF-developed automated robotic technology for manufacturing stem cell lines with unmatched quality in large scale, among other cell culture facilities. NYSCF will also have a highly specialized GMP laboratory facility for manufacturing cells for therapies. Additional laboratories include molecular biology, imaging, cell sorting, and electrophysiology suites, and extensive bench space.
“Opening this new world class research laboratory is the culmination of our vision to build the infrastructure for stem cell research and therapeutics,” said Susan L. Solomon, NYSCF CEO and Co-founder. “As NYSCF is increasingly becoming a global hub of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, our new home will enable new partnerships with global bioscience and research institutions, accelerate the development of new treatments and cures, and further strengthen New York City as a center for biomedical research.”
Key NYSCF collaborators, supporters, and friends speaking at the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting, include:
- Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder, Bloomberg LP & Bloomberg Philanthropies and three term New York City Mayor
- Stephen M. Ross, Chairman and Founder, Related Companies and NYSCF Board Member
- Tony Coles, MD, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Yumanity Therapeutics
- Howard Zemsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire State Development
- James Patchett, President & CEO, New York City Economic Development Corporation
The new NYSCF facility, which was designed by Ennead Architects, also contains numerous conference and meeting suites, in addition to an expansive common area for collaborative and interactive work. A large lecture hall equipped with the latest multimedia technologies solidifies and expands NYSCF’s role and capabilities as a key convening resource and host for scientists in the greater New York metropolitan region.
Since 2005, NYSCF has supported and pioneered innovation in science, producing some of the most significant discoveries in human stem cell research to advance the entire field. All the while, patients have remained the sole focus of NYSCF’s mission to find cures.
NYSCF’s unique model of research - an independent, largely privately funded foundation and safe haven laboratories - continues to push the boundaries of medical research and redefine what the field believes to be possible. By pursuing high-risk, high reward research that traditional funding models do not support, and developing innovative solutions to overcome rate-limiting challenges to the entire field, NYSCF is accelerating new and better treatments and cures for patients around the world.
“The New York Stem Cell Foundation is a critical partner to New York’s research institutions and is doing great things in terms of finding treatments and cures for the most vexing diseases,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “We in New York are at the center of biomedical research and the new NYSCF facility will enhance that centrality.”
“This facility is home to some of the most brilliant scientists and researchers in the field of stem cell research, and we are so fortunate to have it right here in New York,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “The men and women who work here are bringing us closer every day to finding new cures and treatments that would help millions of families around the world.”
Michael R. Bloomberg stated, “It’s great to be celebrating such a wonderful milestone for the New York Stem Cell Foundation. In just 12 years, this organization has grown from one office with a handful of employees to an enormous group of researchers around the world. The New York Stem Cell Foundation strengthens New York City as a global center of research and innovation, and it goes without saying that the next twelve years will be as even more exciting to watch as this institute grow and matures.”
Stephen Ross, Chairman and Founder of Related Companies and NYSCF Board member said, “We can all take great pride that the New York Stem Cell Foundation, led by Susan Solomon, are doing the most advanced stem cell research in the world, right here in New York City, and now in a state-of-the-art facility. NYSCF is without a doubt, one of New York’s great entrepreneurial successes of the last decade and as the nation’s leader in the production of stem cells, they are now poised for dramatic growth. I am pleased to have played a role in the creation of a world-class home for NYSCF and encourage everyone to support their important work as stem cell research is key to improving and saving people’s lives.”
“The NYSCF is a jewel in the New York City life sciences ecosystem,” said Dr. Tony Coles, Chairman and CEO of Yumanity Therapeutics. “The biotechnology community looks forward to pushing back the frontiers of science in collaboration with this dynamic organization.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky stated, “The State’s investment in the New York Stem Center Foundation’s state-of-the-art laboratory is a smart investment in innovation, in progress, and in our future. We are proud to support this groundbreaking work which is spurring the creation of more than 30 new jobs over the next five years. With this project, New York State further establishes itself as the premier hub for advancements and breakthroughs in the burgeoning life sciences industry.”
“The growth of New York City’s life sciences sector is critical in our efforts to create 100,000 high-quality jobs over the next decade,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “Since its inception, the New York Stem Cell Foundation’s innovative research and tireless advocacy has helped build a foundation for this important industry. We are thrilled to welcome their new, state-of-the-art headquarters, which will create more good jobs and further solidify New York City as a premier destination for the life sciences.”
About The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute is an independent organization accelerating cures and better treatments for patients through stem cell research. The NYSCF global community includes over 140 researchers at leading institutions worldwide, including the NYSCF – Druckenmiller Fellows, the NYSCF – Robertson Investigators, the NYSCF – Robertson Stem Cell Prize Recipients, and NYSCF Research Institute scientists and engineers. The NYSCF Research Institute is an acknowledged world leader in stem cell research and in developing pioneering stem cell technologies, including the NYSCF Global Stem Cell ArrayTM and in manufacturing stem cells for scientists around the globe. NYSCF focuses on translational research in a model designed to overcome the barriers that slow discovery and replace silos with collaboration. For more information, visit www.nyscf.org.
