Memphis Bioworks Foundation Launches UT-Baptist Research Park Web Site

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, March 15, 2006 - The Memphis Bioworks Foundation has launched an additional Web site, www.utbaptistresearchpark.com, to promote the development of the UT-Baptist Research Park.

The research park is a state-of-the-art campus designed for the highly specialized needs of Memphis' growing bioscience community. When complete, the park will feature 1.2 million square feet of laboratory, research, education, and business development space located on a 10-acre campus in the heart of the Memphis Medical Center.

"The development of the UT-Baptist Research Park plays a critical role in the further expansion and marketing of Memphis as a leading bioscience community," said Dr. Steven J. Bares, Executive Director and President of the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. "This Web site is just one component of our local and national marketing plan, and allows us to provide up-to-date information to companies and site selection professionals around the world."

The UT-Baptist Research Park Web site contains specific information designed to attract new bioscience businesses to Memphis. Details include available space for rent, site and floor plans, building specifications, available amenities and resources, community information, parking details, and other advantages companies look for when making the decision to relocate.

The UT-Baptist Research Park will be completed in six phases over a 10-year period, allowing flexibility to meet current and future bioscience needs. Currently under development is a Regional Research Lab offering a suite of biosafety level (BSL) 2 and 3 laboratory modules, space for training, security, substantial vivarium space, and build-to-suit laboratory/office space. Construction has begun on a new College of Pharmacy building at the University of Tennessee, Memphis – The Health Science Center, located in the northwest corner of the new research park.

Memphis Bioworks Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, was formed in early 2001 to establish the Memphis region as an internationally recognized center for biomedical technology through education, research, job training, and commercialization. Baptist Memorial Health Care donated its property in the Medical Center to the Foundation for the site of the research park, which serves as the focal point of the city’s biomedical economic development.