Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli’s (D-Syracuse) bill to help bioscience research institutions and organizations develop education curriculum and workforce training has passed the Assembly (A.10255). The bill would allow for financing on a competitive basis.

The funding would also help bring bioscience centers up to federal regulation standards and provide assistance to businesses that conduct research leading to the development of products, needing approval by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, that improve human health or agriculture.

“Bioscience industries are vital to the technology-based economy of New York,” Magnarelli said. “Investing in bioscience research will help put New York on the cutting edge of new products and technologies and will help boost our economy. I urge the Senate and governor to approve this legislation so we can make sure that New York will continue to be a leader in attracting bioscience research and development for years to come.”

This legislation also comes as the result of roundtable discussions hosted by the Task Force on University Industry Cooperation – which Magnarelli chairs – and the Commission on Science and Technology. Heather Erikson, President of MedTech – the leading Central New York bioscience collaborative – along with its partners, were also influential in the drafting of this legislation.

Dr. Cornelius B. Murphy, President, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, said, “SUNY-ESF applauds Assemblyman Magnarelli’s leadership to fund bioscience initiatives as precisely the kind of thoughtful program we need to enhance New York’s strategic position in the evolving CNY ‘Knowledge-Based Economy.’ Assemblyman Magnarelli’s bill highlights biosciences, a key industry sector in Central New York, and underscores the vital role colleges and universities such as SUNY-ESF play in the University-Industry Partnership. This funding directly supports the bioscience education and workforce development necessary for us to reach our economic development goals.”

This bill is part of Magnarelli’s continuing effort to revitalize Central New York’s economy through improved research and industry collaborations. In April, the Assembly passed a bill, sponsored by Magnarelli, which would create a commercialization fund through the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (A.390A). The fund would help coordinate scientific and technological advancements made by academic research institutions in New York State with initiatives to encourage economic growth. It would help entrepreneurs “bridge the gap” between ideas and commercialized products and help make the research coming out of New York’s first-class academic institutions widely available for public benefit.

“New York State is home to world-class public and private research centers and bioscience research is poised to become a powerful economic development engine, creating high tech jobs throughout the Central New York region” Magnarelli said. “Creating jobs and stimulating the economy is one of my top priorities and together these two initiatives will be a very useful tool in building that strong economy with rewarding, good-paying jobs.”

SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry

Part of the SUNY University system, SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry’s mission is to advance knowledge and skills and to promote the leadership necessary for the stewardship of both the natural and designed environments. Founded in 1911 ESF is one of the oldest and most respected universities dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies and building a sustainable future.