Pardon our Progress

Levels and trim pieces and bulldozers, oh my! Texas Biomed is under construction.

More than $60 million worth of capital projects are underway at the Institute, impacting every corner of campus. We are knocking down walls; adding lighting, flooring and new furniture; painting; and upgrading A/V and HVAC systems. We’ve also begun engineering Institute-wide upgrades to electrical and plumbing. Additionally, we are moving people across buildings in order to create operational efficiencies and opportunities for interaction when on campus.

Our team members have been moving science forward faster than ever before, but with that speed of discovery comes what I call “struggles of success.” Our campus is aged and needs new, modern spaces, so as we work on financing and fundraising for the new Global Center for Bioscience, which we highlighted in our 2022 Development Report, our team has found ways to modernize what exists, providing safer, friendlier, more connected spaces.

Additionally, more than $20 million of the changes happening on campus are in our animal facilities to ensure they have the best living environments. These projects are possible thanks to the enormous effort of Matt Majors, Vice President for Operations, and his team, which is leading the project management and implementation of these infrastructure upgrades while simultaneously managing daily facility operations of our unique enterprise. This is an incredibly important strategic undertaking.

While space and place are a critical piece of the Institute’s strategic plan, we also know that our people and programs are where science and community come together. This is where our mission is fulfilled, and we can realize our vision of a world free from the fear and effects of infectious diseases.

This fall’s COVER STORY is about the amazing research being done on aging here at the Institute. You might ask how aging and infectious disease are related, but as scientists, we are keenly aware that aging makes people more susceptible to infection. Understanding the aging process with the help of established research models is critical to treating infection and diseases of age while also identifying therapeutic interventions.

SPOTLIGHTS on our research include the big three: HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as several innovations. In this issue, we FOCUS on Texas Biomed’s newest relationship with the national network for pandemic preparedness.

As our CATALYSTS are making their mark on our science program, our success is due to the exceptional team at Texas Biomed, and in this issue we PROFILE Donna Layne-Colon, who has worked with our marmoset colony from the beginning – 30 years ago.

From hosting statewide meetings and international collaborations to going out into the COMMUNITY and inspiring students, Texas Biomed continues to share its mission far and wide. We hope these stories help you understand the full impact we have on San Antonio and our world and encourage you to learn more and support us. Because, together, we can build healthier lives For All of Us.

— Larry Schlesinger, MD
President & CEO