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