Establishes the New York state genome institute within the office of science, technology and academic research

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing the New York state genome institute

Purpose

The bill would establish a Genome Institute to review research activity that is being done across the state related to genetics, and make reports and recommendations regarding Federal grants and efforts to apply such research when economic opportunities are available for such research and to coordinate efforts to obtain federal research grants.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 establishes the New York State Genome Institute within the Office of Science Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR).

Section 2 provides that the Institute shall work with and make recommendations to NYSTAR regarding the progress various research institutions across the state are making for the application and commercialization of this research and work to coordinate the application process when individual institutions apply for federal grants.

Sections 3 and 4 establish the membership of the Institute and establishes that the Director of NYSTAR and the Chairman of the State University Research Foundation co-chair the Genome Institute.

Section 5 allows the Co-chairs to add more members to the Genome Institute provided they meet certain criteria.

Section 6 provides that the members of the institute meet four times each year and stipulates specific requirements that must be included in its annual report.

Section 7 requires the Co-chairs of the Genome Institute to submit a final report on December first of each year with information as required in section 6 and additional requirements included in this section.

Justification

Over the last decade New York State has made a significant investment of funds that are in support of various research related to genetics in genetic research. New state-of-the-art facilities have been built, or are planned, many new researchers have been hired, federal grants have been awarded or are being applied for.

As a result of this investment there are a number of public and private research institutions, medical research hospitals and firms conducting research that is directly, or indirectly, related to genetics and the use of genetics to treat any number of human medical conditions.

Traditionally, these research institutions and their research/scientists tend to work independently. Further, when they apply for grants they do so individually as well.

By establishing a Genome Institute, this legislation would tap into the existing knowledge base of each institution. Members of the Genome Institute would be people actively engaged in the research of the institution they represent and are perfectly situated to assess the current status of various research initiatives. They could also help reduce redundancy, make recommendations for potential commercialization through various partnership opportunities and coordinate efforts to win federal awards for future funding. It is essential that New York State ensure that our long-term investment in these institutions and the work they are doing utilizes the full range of resources available to improve New York's long economic growth. The Genome institute would bring together various interests and help ensure that our research efforts remain focused and seize opportunities, whenever they occur, to develop their technology into applications that create jobs and support enhanced medical treatment.

Legislative history

2007-08, S.1855; 2005-06, S.856; 2003-04, S.5992.

Fiscal implications

Minimal - the cost of the meeting and generating the report.

Effective date

Immediately.