Late last month, University System of Georgia officials announced the creation of a new academic-corporate partnership that will boost the production of regulatory affairs professionals to support the state’s increasing emphasis on the biosciences industry.
The University System’s Intellectual Capital Partnership Program is administering a partnership between UGA’s College of Pharmacy and state bioscience companies through ICAPP’s Innovations Program. The initiative will include pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as Cell Dynamics, Ciba Vision, CR Bard, Cryolife, Serologicals, Pharmaceuticals and UCB Pharma, who are joining with ICAPP to cover the program’s costs.
After earning graduate-level certificates that can lead to master of science degrees, program graduates will fill vital bioscience regulatory positions.
“In Georgia, we help existing companies grow by asking what they need, listening to their responses and reacting accordingly,” says Gov. Sonny Perdue. “ICAPP continues to help our state meet the high-tech workforce needs of current and potential employers by enabling us to act quickly to meet the demand for well-prepared college graduates.”
Initially, the new ICAPP initiative will spur the creation of 50 jobs in the regulatory affairs industry, which includes the areas of quality control and quality assurance.
These highly educated employees will play a vital role in the manufacturing and testing of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biologics and biotechnology.
“The University System of Georgia is proud to help realize Gov. Perdue’s vision of Georgia becoming a key player in the biosciences sector,” says Chancellor Thomas C. Meredith. “ICAPP has an excellent track record of innovative partnering to meet the needs of business and industry. This new bioscience initiative promises to help Georgia create yet another successful economic development niche.”
