Shriners Children’s is establishing a new pediatric medical research facility in Atlanta at Science Square Labs located across from Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area. In addition to investing $153 million over the next five years, the nonprofit pediatric specialty healthcare system will also create 470 new jobs.
“Shriners Children's new healthcare research facility represents more than just a strategic investment in Atlanta’s growing healthcare ecosystem, it’s a powerful commitment to healthier futures for children,” says Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “This investment will not only create high-quality jobs and drive innovation but also further Atlanta’s reputation as a global hub for improving public health through scientific advancement.”
Having Shriners Children’s Research Institute establish a presence in Atlanta speaks to a substantial growth in the city's and state’s nonprofit, R&D and life sciences sectors along with the lure of Georgia’s top-ranked research universities and skilled talent pool.
“Life sciences is a growing industry in Atlanta that employs 18,000 people with a projected 10% job creation rate in the next six years,” says Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. "Shriners Children’s decision to bring this $153 million investment to Atlanta is another nod to the strength of Atlanta’s technology ecosystem and the rich talent pool cultivated in our diverse university system.”
Shriners Children’s will recruit talent across research fields, including cell and gene therapies, robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, biologics and data informatics, as well as administrative and support roles.
According to Dr. Marc Lalande, Shriners Children’s vice president of research programs, the Shriners Children’s Research Institute will serve as a multidisciplinary innovation hub to advance the healthcare of children. “The close partnership with the outstanding biomedical engineers and scientists from Georgia Tech and Emory University will accelerate discovery and spearhead new treatments and therapies,” he says.
Shriners Children's was founded by members of the Shriners International fraternity in 1922. It has locations across North America and a global reach, focusing on orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions, burn injuries, spinal cord injury rehabilitation and cleft lip and palate.