Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), in partnership with the Northern Arizona University (NAU), is opening a new facility in Flagstaff, Arizona dedicated to the development of pathogen diagnostics.

The new facility will be called TGen's Center for Pathogen Diagnostics, or TGen North, and will focus on applying genomic technology and tools to biodefense, pathogen diagnostics and microbial forensics, thereby continuing TGen's mission of developing earlier diagnoses and smarter treatments.

TGen North will be led by nationally recognized biosafety expert Dr. Paul Keim, who is currently the Director of the TGen's Pathogen Genomics Division and is a professor of biology and Cowden Endowed Chair in Microbiology at NAU.

The new facility is an expansion of Dr. Keim's work with highly-regulated pathogens. In June 2005, Dr. Keim was appointed to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB), a group of 25 experts who will assess issues of biosafety in life sciences research. Dr. Keim's current work includes several projects funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the first of which aims to improve the understanding and management of sepsis and community acquired pneumonia (CAP). This multi-year project is expected to further progress toward more rapid and accurate tools for treating patients afflicted by these deadly pathogens.

The new Center is funded by multiple federal agencies that support medical diagnostics, forensic analyses and biodefense-related work including the Department of Defense, Department of Justice, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Homeland Security and others.

In 2002, the Flinn Foundation funded a comprehensive study by the Battelle Memorial Institute that outlined a 10-year roadmap to "fast track" Arizona on a path to achieve national bioscience stature and a diversified economy. The study highlighted Arizona's existing research strengths and emphasized the need for increased public- and private-sector collaboration.
The launch of TGen North in Flagstaff is significant step for both establishing a biosciences corridor in Arizona and furthering economic development in Flagstaff.

Construction of the new facility is about to begin and TGen North and is due to open in the fall of 2006.