TGen News & Press Releases

• Written by Steve Yozwiak /
• Posted Monday October 31, 2005

Berens Appointed Chairman-Elect of AZ Technology Council

TGen brain cancer researcher will expand Council's bioscience interests

Phoenix, AZ, October 27, 2005-Dr. Michael Berens, head of the Brain Tumor Research Unit at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), has been appointed Chairman-Elect of the Arizona Technology Council.

The Arizona Technology Council's mission is to drive partnerships, policies and programs that advance the business climate for Arizona's technology community.

The Council's Executive Officers and Board of Directors serve in an advisory role by representing the interests of the region's technology industries in the Council's strategic planning and operations. As a member of the Council's Board of Directors for the past two years, Dr. Berens has been an ardent supporter and advocate of the bioscience and healthcare sectors.

"Bioscience is a pursuit that draws on many diverse high-end technologies in order to create medical breakthroughs and scientific advances," said Dr. Berens. "I am eager to expand the involvement of cutting-edge research partners and medical groups in this sector as we move forward."

In October 2006, Dr. Berens will replace the Council's current Chairman, Todd Bankofier, VP/GM Arizona Operations for Ensynch.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Michael Berens as the new Chairman-Elect of the Board of Directors for the Arizona Technology Council," said Mr. Bankofier. "Dr. Berens has been an active and influential member of our Executive Committee, an advocate for our organization, especially when reaching out to the healthcare industry, and a strong proponent of the Tech Council's legislative agenda. His appointment to this position will ensure the continued success of the organization."

Dr. Berens' 25-year scientific career has been devoted to cancer research, with a focus on brain tumors. Dr. Berens earned his Ph.D. in biology from the University of Arizona, and then held a post-doctoral fellowship in experimental oncology at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. For 12 years he served as senior staff scientist and Director of Neurology Research at Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center.

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About TGen
The mission of the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is to make and translate genomic discoveries into advances in human health. Translational genomics research is a relatively new field employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project and applying them to the development of diagnostics, prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen is focused on personalized medicine and plans to accomplish its goals through robust and disease-focused research.

About The Arizona Technology Council
Since its inception in 2002, the Arizona Technology Council has stood as the largest association of technology companies in Arizona, whose shared vision is for the state to be recognized as a top-tier center for technology-based businesses. The Council works to carry out this vision by driving partnerships, policies and programs that advance the business climate for Arizona's technology community and by representing, supporting and advocating for member companies through initiatives, advocacy, networking and effective communications. The Arizona Technology Council represents 30,000-plus employees at more than 500 of the leading technology companies across Arizona. Represented industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, e-learning, environmental technology, software, Internet applications, semiconductors, and telecommunications.

Media Contacts:
Amy Erickson-TGen (602) 343-8522
Tonya Emrick-AZ Tech Council (602) 343-8324 x 107