New biotechnology research center launched by SHRO

The Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), a nonprofit research facility located at Temple University, will dedicate a new state-of-the-art biotechnology research center on Tuesday, October 27th, at 2 p.m. SHRO is one of the top three international laboratories, based on number of publications as ranked by the Cell Cycle Registry,

"Thanks to the sustained financial support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the General Assembly, and in partnership with Temple University, the new SHRO biotechnology research center will expand our involvement in important basic research for chronic diseases and in translational medicine. Both areas have the capacity to provide important economic development for the state," says SHRO President and Founder, Antonio Giordano, M.D., Ph.D. "We will also continue to provide top training for the brightest investigators from around the world."

"Research is critically important to the mission of universities and to the future of our communities," says Hai-Lung Dai, PhD, Dean of Temple's College of Science and Technology, home to the new SHRO Biotechnology Research Center. "The support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for facilities like this one helps to ensure that Temple University and Pennsylvania will continue to be at the forefront of knowledge discovery."

A host of dignitaries will join guests and researchers at the dedication ceremony, including Pennsylvania Representatives the Honorable Sam Smith and Mario J. Civera , Jr. Also in attendance will be Ann Weaver Hart, the President of Temple University, and Hai-Lung Dai, Ph.D., the Dean of Temple University's College of Science and Technology, and His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.

Located in the Biology-Life Sciences Building on the Temple University campus, the new SHRO genetic translational research center includes 20,000-square feet of new wet and dry labs, administrative offices, a medical library, and workspaces for visiting international scientists.

In addition to the 60 researchers and ten administrative staff currently working at SHRO, an additional 20 new research positions are anticipated.

"The state's investment in this research facility is, first and foremost, an
investment in saving lives.," says State Rep. Sam Smith (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson Counties). "Through the collaboration of forward-thinking researchers and entrepreneurs from this country and around the world, life-saving treatments for cancer and heart disease will evolve, along with the creation of high-tech, high-wage jobs. I salute Dr. Giordano and his team for the pivotal role they are playing in the development of one of our
state's premier industries."

"Supporting advanced medical research not only presents opportunities
for Pennsylvania to attract new and high paying jobs, but it also draws
greater attention to the state as a hub for treating some of today's
most debilitating and life-threatening diseases," says State Rep. Mario J. Civera, Jr. (R-Delaware County). "This facility and the people responsible for conducting the research that will take place here should be applauded for their efforts and their unwavering commitment to saving lives - not only here in Pennsylvania, but around the world."

"The expansion of SHRO reflects the importance of the bioscience industry to the commonwealth and the region," says Dr. Giordano. "It is keeping with the 'new economy' described by the recent Milken Institute study which ranked the Philadelphia region as the #2 bioscience cluster in the United States."