December 2, 2019 – Scientists from around the world participated in the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Symposium hosted on Nov. 21 and 22. The symposium was a collaborative effort between Cleveland Clinic Florida, the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Florida International University and Vaxine Pty Ltd, an Australian biotechnology company focusing on development of innovative vaccine technologies.
“This symposium was a unique opportunity to plant the seeds of collaboration among FIU, Cleveland Clinic and Vaxine in Port St. Lucie,” said Andres G. Gil, PhD, Vice President for Research and Economic Development, and Dean of the University Graduate School for Florida International University. “Our collective goal is conducting public impact research that will lead to the prevention and treatment of diseases. The symposium allowed scientists to share their research in order to foster future collaboration.”
The two-day research symposium was held at the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies in Port St. Lucie, with events also being held at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center. The symposium featured 30 speakers from more than 20 different organizations, discussing topics that included cancer, immunotherapy, immunology, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders, vaccine development and much more.
“As researchers, we are seeking answers for diseases and medical conditions that affect millions of individuals internationally,” said Nikolai Petrovsky, PhD, Chairman and Research Director for Vaxine. “Collaboration is vital as we explore new ideas that may lead to the next great healthcare discovery and this symposium was an example of the benefits that come from working together.”
Cleveland Clinic Florida Research and Innovation Center is located in the former Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute Florida building. Cleveland Clinic Florida is in the planning stages to develop a state-of-the-art research facility that will emphasize translational research to improve patient care.
“Research is the foundational core of Cleveland Clinic because we can’t treat diseases without understanding the underlying causes,” said Joseph P. Iannotti, MD, PhD, Chief of Staff, and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer for Cleveland Clinic Florida. “We are enthusiastic about expanding our research footprint in Florida, and collaborating with new and innovative organizations to develop solutions for medical conditions across the world.”
About Cleveland Clinic Florida:
Cleveland Clinic Florida is a nonprofit, multi-specialty, academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. With locations in Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Parkland, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River, Cleveland Clinic Florida has physicians with expertise in more than 55 specialties. The medical campus in Weston is fully integrated and includes diagnostic centers, outpatient surgery and a 24-hour emergency department located in the state-of-the-art hospital. Cleveland Clinic Florida ranked #1 among the best hospitals in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area and fifth in Florida in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019-2020 ranking of Best Hospitals metro area rankings. Cleveland Clinic Florida is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute:
Lerner Research Institute is home to basic, translational and clinical research at Cleveland Clinic. With nearly 1,500 researchers and support personnel in 175 laboratories in 10 departments, we are one of the largest research institutes in the nation, consistently ranking in the top 10 in National Institutes of Health funding, a benchmark of research success.
About Florida International University:
Florida International University is Miami’s public research university and in less than five decades has become a top 100 public university, according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges. FIU is focused on student success and research excellence, with nearly $200 million in annual research expenditures. The Next Horizon fundraising campaign is furthering FIU’s commitment to providing students Worlds Ahead opportunities. Today FIU has two campuses and multiple centers, including sites in Qingdao and Tianjin, China, and supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA, with more than 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. The university has awarded more than 330,000 degrees to many leaders in South Florida and beyond. For more information about FIU, visit www.fiu.edu.. For more information about FIU, visit www.fiu.edu.
About Vaxine Pty Ltd:
Vaxine was incorporated in 2002 as an Australian biotechnology company focusing on development of innovative vaccine technologies, with its lead product being its Advax delta inulin adjuvant. Supported by funding contracts from the National Institutes of Health, Vaxine has developed a board range of vaccines, all utilizing its Advax adjuvant technology for enhanced immunogenicity and protection. Vaxine’s human candidates include vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile Virus, malaria, rabies, allergy and cancer. Vaxine also has a veterinary division that is commercializing vaccine adjuvants tailored to specific animal health problems.
