The University at Buffalo is launching a new department of biomedical engineering to address pressing regional needs. The program is a joint venture between UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Science and UB School of Engineering. Student enrollment begins this fall.

“The department was developed based on the advancing necessity and interest in research in the biomedical and biotechnology fields, UB’s already accomplished strengths in that area of study and the sector’s strong presence in Western New York. It was a natural step for us” describes Alexander Cartwright, Professor and Chair of the Department at the University at Buffalo. “[This program] will concentrate on America’s critical healthcare needs and issues by developing innovative strategies and research initiatives involving new medical products and product improvements.”

The department and local biomedical and bioscience companies have worked closely together in developing the program, and both parties plan to expand these relationships. Companies will have the opportunity to provide input on curriculum, influence research priorities, and offer students the opportunity to contribute to the development of new products and product improvements. “Through partnerships with local biomedical and biotechnology companies, the program will receive input from experts in the industry that will enable the department to successfully address important issues that face our nation today,” said Cartwright.

While students also benefit from exclusive opportunities such as internships and jobs. One of the program’s goals is to give students a competitive advantage upon graduation by requiring they work closely with industry so that they can develop professional points of contact during their formal education.

The new department represents a key component of University at Buffalo’s 2020 economic growth plan by tapping into existing strengths and engaging with regional companies. UB 2020 maps out the university’s plan to grow admissions by as many as 10,000 additional students and generate significant new commercial activity in association with the university community. UB will build more than 1,000 jobs on their North, South, and Downtown campuses including a state-of-art engineering building and a new home for the pharmacy school. With the campus expansion and growth in faculty, staff, researchers, and students the UB 2020 plan is projected to add $1.7 billion into the region’s economy.

In addition to exploiting the campus’ physical expansion, the biomedical engineering program will focus on areas that top companies and industry thought-leaders have identified as holding significant research importance and growth potential in coming years. The biomedical department’s research strategies will be aligned with the University’s existing strategic investments in “Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan,” “Molecular Recognition in Biological Systems and Bioinformatics” and “Integrated Nanostructured Systems.” The department will also focus on development of groundbreaking medical device and therapies for society’s most pressing health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. “As one of our state’s four major research campuses, I am excited to see UB making such significant and focused investments to tackle the most pressing healthcare issues of our day,” said Heather Erickson, MedTech president. “UB’s leadership role in reaching out and responding to bioscience workforce needs is laudable and will allow our region to better support one of its largest and most promising technology assets.”

Numerous area biomedical organizations, including MedTech and member companies Applied Sciences Group, Inc. and Greatbatch are already active partners and support the program. “As one of the pioneers in the industry, Greatbatch is proud to help sponsor UB’s new biomedical engineering program”, said Mauricio Arellano, Senior Vice President, “Over the years the company has benefited by hiring UB graduates from various disciplines. We expect our local research and manufacturing facilities to be well served by this investment. While we are a local company we also have a global reach and look forward to the program providing well-trained talent to serve our growing needs worldwide.”

In addition, Paul Buckley, President of Applied Science Group, Inc. describes how UB is successfully addressing America’s healthcare needs through the new biomedical program. “The Life Sciences industry is one of those business segments that is likely to see robust growth as America continues to age, and as more pressure is put on the industry to cut costs while improving diagnostics, and finding better therapies. But this requires a trained workforce capable of transitioning laboratory research into marketable goods. That’s where UB’s Biomedical Engineering program comes in: A locally-grown workforce with the skill sets needed to carry out this transition provides a foundation to expand the upstate Life Sciences industry. This program is long overdue but I’m glad it’s finally here, and my hope is that it - in addition to the existing programs at . other upstate universities - helps demonstrate the state’s seriousness at retaining young talent and growing this vital industry.”

Response to this program by companies and students has already far exceeded initial expectations. The initial class of students is already enrolled in this program for the fall term.

About the University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system, and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.

About MedTech

MedTech is a not-for-profit trade association comprised of Upstate New York technology manufacturers, research institutions, and allied professional services and economic development organizations. We promote the commercialization of medical products by providing educational and networking events, organizing certification opportunities, and facilitating collaborations among members to bring tomorrow’s technologies to the health care marketplace. For more information, visit www.medtech.org.