Check out why Birmingham got $450K for bioscience growth

UAB campus
Birmingham’s getting $450K for bioscience growth—wow. Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now

Birmingham has stepped up its science game! Thanks to impressive research centers like UAB, Birmingham is getting $450K from the Department of Commerce. We’re excited this money will help out our bioscience jobs. Wanna know more? Read on for all the deets.

But first—what does a bioscientist do?

Birmingham, UAB, Bioscience technician, Michelle Gray
One of Birmingham’s bioscientists, Michelle Gray, Ph.D., UAB. Photo via uab.edu

These scientists deal with living viruses and bacteria. Basically, they study diseases and develop drugs to cure them.

Think Bill Nye the Science Guy, but in real life.

Why Birmingham?

UAB hospital and bioscience center
The best hospital in Alabama: UAB. Photo via uab.edu

UAB is a huge hotspot for bioscience jobs. On top of that, it has been nominated as best hospital in Alabama—for the second year in a row. Go Blazers!

Additionally, Birmingham was recognized for its role in creating COVID-19 treatments.

So, what will Birmingham do with this $450K?

Birmingham, Alabama Launchpad winner, TriAltus Bioscience, Innovation Depot, UAB
Birmingham’s very own TriAltus Bioscience founders Dmitry Vassylyev (left) and Bob Shufflebarger. Photo via Terri Robertson for Bham Now

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is leading the way with bioscience growth. What do they do? They serve as Birmingham’s chamber of commerce, so supporting local business is a huge deal to them.

BBA has partnered with Jefferson County and Shelby County to get a plan rolling. All this money will make a major impact for bioscience researchers right here in the ‘Ham, so they want to get the most bang for their buck.

Check out their plan for building national recognition for our bioscience jobs:

  • Identify key bioscience benefits (you know, jobs and investments)
  • Promote local bioscience businesses growth (aka “bop to the top”)
  • Unify bioscience with our economic developers

Most importantly, BBA wants our bioscience jobs to gain attention nationally.

The benefit? Even more jobs will open up. Cha-cha ching!

“The Birmingham Region of Jefferson County is fortunate to call many quality health care systems home. These systems have drawn, and continue to draw, assets to our region. This grant will help us map out those assets and tailor our recruiting efforts by identifying companies that would be an agreeable addition to our ecosystem.”

Steve Ammons, Jefferson County Commissioner

More to come for bioscience

This fund is happening because of CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. The goal is to help communities like Birmingham prevent COVID-19 from accelerating.

We’re all in this together Birmingham!

Do you work in the bioscience industry? Let us know what you look forward to seeing in Birmingham. Tag us @bhamnow.

Summer Guffey
Summer Guffey

Art enthusiast and expert on all things tea.

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