{"682819":{"#nid":"682819","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Georgia Tech, Emory Expand Research at Science Square","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Institute of Technology and Emory University are taking medical and biomedical research to the next level by moving seven cutting-edge labs into \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/sciencesquareatlanta.com\/\u0022\u003EScience Square,\u003C\/a\u003E the Southeast\u2019s premier life sciences district. This expansion is more than just growth in square footage; it marks a major push to establish Atlanta as a Top 5 technology hub in the U.S.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cScience Square Labs marks a pivotal step forward for Georgia Tech and for Atlanta\u2019s growing life sciences ecosystem. We\u2019re not only accelerating our research and innovation \u2014 we\u2019re building powerful momentum across the region,\u201d said \u00c1ngel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. \u201cOur labs moving to this space will attract top talent and drive medical innovation. The move sets the stage for transformative discoveries, and we hope others will join us to continue Atlanta\u2019s evolution into a global hub for medical breakthroughs.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThis move comes as Georgia Tech saw a 46% increase in research awards from 2018 to 2024, evidence of the Institute\u2019s fast-growing impact. By adding these labs, Atlanta strengthens its position on the national stage for advanced tech and life sciences innovation.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy It Matters\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESaving lives\u003C\/strong\u003E: From early cancer detection and more innovative immune therapies to healing damaged tissues and managing chronic diseases, the research that will be conducted at Science Square tackles health issues millions face. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFueling a tech hub\u003C\/strong\u003E: By combining research powerhouses like Georgia Tech and Emory with next-gen laboratory facilities, Atlanta is building the brainpower and resources to compete with national tech centers. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEconomic growth\u003C\/strong\u003E: Science Square is helping attract top researchers, startups, and funding \u2014 bringing jobs, investment, and opportunities to Georgia. Most recently, \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/georgia.org\/press-release\/duracell-selects-georgia-new-rd-headquarters\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EDuracell\u003C\/a\u003E announced they are moving their research and development headquarters to Science Square.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EResearch for Real Life\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe new labs at Science Square will support teams tackling life-changing challenges:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/faculty\/Gabe-A.-Kwong\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EGabe Kwong\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Robert A. Milton Chair, College of Engineering, is developing a two-step cancer defense: tagging tumor cells with a synthetic \u201cflag,\u201d then supercharging T cells (the body\u2019s infection-fighting white blood cells) to track down and destroy them. Early lab tests show the technique works against breast, brain, and colon cancers \u2014 and prevents regrowth. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/faculty\/Tara-Deans\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETara Deans\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E \u003C\/strong\u003Eand her team are teaching cells new jobs \u2014 when to grow, which type of cell to become, or how to release medicine. Their goal is to design smart cells that can sense what\u2019s happening in the body and act as \u201cliving therapies,\u201d delivering treatment exactly where, when, and at the level needed. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/alexander-vlahos\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlex Vlahos\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E is developing ways to reprogram cells to understand and treat diseases. His team makes new protein tools that help cells sense their environment, communicate with each other, and respond to problems \u2014 repairing tissues, fighting cancer, or calming an overactive immune system. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/edward-botchwey\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEd Botchwey\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E co-directs the Regenerative Engineering and Medicine Center, a collaboration between Georgia Tech, Emory University, and the University of Georgia. His team develops advanced biomaterials that work with the body\u2019s immune system, combined with specialized methods, to produce therapeutic cells and their beneficial byproducts. They focus on innovative regenerative treatments for conditions like sickle-cell disease complications, severe muscle injuries, and injuries affecting the mouth, face, and skull. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/research.gatech.edu\/people\/john-blazeck\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EJohn Blazeck\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E designs new ways to help the immune system fight disease. His team engineers cells and proteins to better target cancer, improve immune therapies, and develop next-generation treatments. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.chbe.gatech.edu\/directory\/person\/corey-wilson\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECorey Wilson\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, Love Family Professorship, College of Engineering, is building custom-made biological systems from scratch\u003Cstrong\u003E.\u003C\/strong\u003E By mixing protein engineering with genetic tinkering, his team is creating powerful new tools for science and medicine that help us understand how proteins and genes work. \u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/bme.gatech.edu\/bme\/faculty\/Alyssa-Panitch\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAlyssa Panitch\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E, professor and chair in the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, designs innovative materials that help tissues heal better and scar less \u2014 whether skin, blood vessels, or even joints. Her team\u2019s biomaterials promote healing on both the inside and outside of cells, guiding the body\u2019s natural repair process.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMore About Science Square Labs\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.sciencesquarelabs.com\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noreferrer noopener\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EScience Square Labs\u003C\/a\u003E, which opened in 2024, offers more than 368,000 square feet of premium lab and innovation space across 13 floors. Strategically located across from Georgia Tech\u2019s North Avenue Research Area, the building is designed to bring together academic institutions, startups, and industry leaders.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAs part of the continued expansion, Georgia Tech announces a major new lease at Science Square. Jon Mayeske of Cushman and Wakefield represented Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures, an affiliate organization of Georgia Tech, which signed a 10-year lease beginning February 15, 2026, for a 36,364 square-foot space on the sixth floor of Science Square Labs. This cutting-edge life sciences facility includes modern lab spaces, offices, and amenity areas designed to foster collaboration among researchers.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETrammell Crow is the master developer of the Science Square District, programmed for over 2.1 million square feet of labs, offices, and residential and retail spaces in multiple phases.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EGeorgia Tech and Emory University are accelerating Atlanta\u2019s emergence as a national leader in life sciences and technology by relocating seven advanced biomedical research labs to Science Square, a state-of-the-art innovation district.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Georgia Tech and Emory University are advancing Atlanta\u2019s position as a top U.S. tech hub by relocating seven pioneering biomedical research labs to Science Square, a premier life sciences district driving innovation, talent, and economic growth."}],"uid":"35797","created_gmt":"2025-06-18 19:37:04","changed_gmt":"2025-06-24 13:33:44","author":"Siobhan Rodriguez","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-06-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"677251":{"id":"677251","type":"image","title":"24-R10400-P57-001.JPG","body":null,"created":"1750268613","gmt_created":"2025-06-18 17:43:33","changed":"1750268613","gmt_changed":"2025-06-18 17:43:33","alt":"Image of Science Square sign with Atlanta skyline","file":{"fid":"261133","name":"24-R10400-P57-001.JPG","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/18\/24-R10400-P57-001_1.JPG","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/06\/18\/24-R10400-P57-001_1.JPG","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":4912420,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/06\/18\/24-R10400-P57-001_1.JPG?itok=fr5-Fw5I"}}},"media_ids":["677251"],"related_links":[{"url":"entity:node\/660292","title":"Georgia Tech Breaks Ground on Science Square \u2014 Announces Fund Connecting Local Community to Jobs Training and Education Resources"},{"url":"entity:node\/674484","title":"Science Square Ushers in New Era of Research"},{"url":"entity:node\/663241","title":"BioSpark Labs Announces Expansion to Support Life Sciences Research in Science Square"},{"url":"entity:node\/657366","title":"Construction to Begin on Science Square, Life Science Hub "}],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"}],"categories":[{"id":"142","name":"City Planning, Transportation, and Urban Growth"},{"id":"131","name":"Economic Development and Policy"},{"id":"129","name":"Institute and Campus"}],"keywords":[{"id":"246","name":"Georgia Institute of Technology"},{"id":"2305","name":"Emory University"},{"id":"194570","name":"Science Square Labs"},{"id":"194571","name":"Atlanta tech hub"},{"id":"194572","name":"Life sciences innovation"},{"id":"129681","name":"biomedical research"},{"id":"194573","name":"Medical breakthroughs"},{"id":"2565","name":"research and development"},{"id":"194574","name":"Advanced laboratory facilities"},{"id":"189415","name":"Georgia Tech Research"},{"id":"194575","name":"Top 5 technology hub"},{"id":"194576","name":"Southeast life sciences district"},{"id":"194577","name":"Research awards growth"},{"id":"194578","name":"Immune therapies"},{"id":"194579","name":"Cancer detection research"},{"id":"1489","name":"Regenerative Medicine"},{"id":"171033","name":"Synthetic Biology"},{"id":"194580","name":"Smart cells"},{"id":"194581","name":"Protein engineering"},{"id":"194582","name":"Chronic disease management"},{"id":"194589","name":"Georgia Advanced Technology Ventures"},{"id":"194590","name":"Economic development Georgia"},{"id":"194591","name":"Tech talent attraction"},{"id":"77221","name":"innovation ecosystem"},{"id":"194592","name":"Startup incubation"},{"id":"41551","name":"public-private partnerships"},{"id":"174430","name":"research commercialization"},{"id":"194596","name":"Lab space expansion"},{"id":"187915","name":"go-researchnews"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"106361","name":"Business and Economic Development"},{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"},{"id":"71891","name":"Health and Medicine"},{"id":"71881","name":"Science and Technology"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ESiobhan Rodriguez\u003Cbr\u003ESenior Media Relations\u0026nbsp;Representative\u0026nbsp;\u003Cbr\u003EInstitute Communications\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":["media@gatech.edu"],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}