Moving Science

Governor Robert Bentley and Governor Chris Christie Visit Southern Research Institute

August 13, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – August 13, 2014 – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie visited the headquarters of Southern Research Institute today, where they toured the Institute’s medical research complex.

Southern Research Institute’s executives talked with Governor Bentley and Governor Christie about the Institute and its broad research and development in life science, engineering, and clean energy. The tour included the facility’s high throughput screening labs, key to the Institute continuing its long history of discovery of new drugs. Currently, the Institute employs approximately 500 scientific and engineering team members.

Governor Bentley commented, “The scientists working at Southern Research Institute have discovered seven FDA approved cancer drugs, and their collaborative efforts have led to the development of new approaches to treat a variety of diseases including HIV/AIDS, diseases of the central nervous system, heart disease as well as cancer. We are proud to have such an important research engine headquartered in Alabama.”

Governor Christie commented, “Governor Bentley’s support of the life sciences in Alabama has created a business-friendly environment where companies like Southern Research Institute can flourish. Southern Research is just another example of how Governor Bentley’s leadership has helped make it possible for companies and universities to come together and innovate.”

“We are honored to have Governor Bentley and Governor Christie visit us and tour our facilities,” said Arthur J. Tipton, Ph.D., President and CEO of Southern Research Institute. “We thank them for their leadership in promoting the life sciences industry and in recognizing the powerful economic and health impact of research like ours.”

About Southern Research Institute

Southern Research Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) scientific research organization founded in 1941 that conducts preclinical drug discovery and development, advanced engineering research in materials, systems development, and environment and energy research. Approximately 500 scientific and engineering team members support clients and partners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, defense, aerospace, environmental and energy industries. Southern Research is headquartered in Birmingham, AL, with additional laboratories and offices in Wilsonville and Huntsville, AL, Frederick, MD, Durham, NC, Houston, TX, and Cartersville, GA.

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