What a moment in Texas Biomed’s history.
I am humbled to be at the helm of this pioneering organization founded 85 years ago by a young man with incredible vision. But not only did Tom Slick Jr. see a future for the ranchland west of San Antonio as a bustling “Science City” – he made it happen. This is truly remarkable. In 1941, there was nothing here to suggest San Antonio should be an epicenter of scientific innovation. Yet he successfully recruited top scientists to work in simple farm buildings, as well as leaders from the community and nationally to manage and grow his research institutes.
We owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Slick’s generosity and determination fueled by a deep belief in the ability of science to improve humanity. He laid the foundation on which we stand today.
In 2026, Texas Biomed is a respected anchor in a robust bioscience ecosystem that is driving economic growth for the region and saving lives around the world. San Antonio’s healthcare and bioscience sector generates $44 billion in economic impact a year and helps our community prosper through well-paying jobs.
Together with our partners across education, military, industry and healthcare, San Antonio is gaining ever more momentum and recognition as a global leader in health and science. No one could do this in a silo – we have top-tier science and medical education at UT San Antonio, applied science at Southwest Research Institute, strong networks and start-up incubators with BioMedSA, VelocityTX and the San Antonio Medical Foundation, and, critically, science-forward leadership at the local level. I am honored to serve on the San Antonio Mayor’s Economic Security Advisory Group, which launched this year to identify growth opportunities in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology and space manufacturing.
The best part: here in San Antonio, we have a reputation for truly and openly collaborating with one another – something I think Tom Slick would appreciate and is genuinely required if we are to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.
As we celebrate this anniversary year, I am in awe of all that has been achieved by those who came before us at Texas Biomed and am energized as we move boldly forward into the future. In this edition of TxBiomed, you will appreciate some of our scientific achievements since our founding: from understanding the drivers of heart disease to pioneering NICU equipment that is saving premature lives to testing the first approved Ebola therapy and COVID-19 vaccines.
You will also see how we are building on Tom’s legacy, literally, as modern buildings rise up across campus, ready to shape the next 85 years of research. It is a transformative moment and these investments – laid out in our 10-Year Strategic Plan – will help ensure that Texas Biomed remains at the forefront of discovery and biodefense for years to come.
I’m also proud that we continue to live by one of our founding principles: educating the next generation of scientific thinkers. They are the ones who will be finding the cures that we all seek. Do not miss hearing from the young people who have spent time training with us as they begin their scientific journeys..
Through the decades, there has been one constant: your unwavering support. Since the beginning, Texas Biomed has been the product of not just the scientists in the lab, but the community lifting, guiding and cheering for the researchers to continue digging, questioning and innovating. The bedrock of support you provide is fundamental to our success and is why we are still here going strong. We celebrate this milestone 85th year – thanks to you.
To many more,
Larry Schlesinger, M.D.
Professor, President & CEO