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Gov. Gregoire Appoints Former UW President to Lead Life Sciences Discovery Fund

For Immediate Release: July 13, 2005

OLYMPIA � July 13, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire has appointed former University of Washington President Lee Huntsman to be executive director of the Life Sciences Discovery Fund Authority, the governor�s innovative public-private partnership to put Washington at the forefront of scientific research and development.

�I�m thrilled to have Lee at the helm of this very important endeavor,� Gregoire said. �With his background as a brilliant scientist and inventor in bioengineering, and recent experience as a top academic and research leader, I can't think of anyone more qualified to shape this initiative and help the state of Washington make wise investments in support of life science research.�
�The Life Sciences Discovery Fund is thoughtfully designed to help Washington sustain its competitiveness in vital areas of research and economic development,� Huntsman said. �I'm honored by the governor's request that I help her advance this strategy, and I'm confident the fund can be of great benefit to Washington and its citizens.�

Huntsman served as interim UW president for a year before being named president on Nov. 21, 2003. He served in that capacity until June 2004, when he stepped down to become president emeritus. Prior to the presidency, he served as UW provost and vice president for academic affairs. He joined the UW faculty in 1968 and holds the faculty appointment of professor of bioengineering.

He served as director of the Center for Bioengineering (now Department of Bioengineering) from 1980 to 1996. He also served as associate dean for scientific affairs in the School of Medicine from 1993 to 1996, when he became acting provost.

UW President Mark Emmert lauded Huntsman�s appointment. �Lee Huntsman's long and distinguished career as an innovative scientist and exceptional administrator make him a natural for this position. He will bring vision, passion and considerable knowledge about supporting scientific research as the fund begins its work.�

Huntsman received a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1963 and a doctorate in biomedical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.

"I can think of no one as superbly qualified as Lee Huntsman for this role,� said Dr. Jack Faris, president of the Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association. �Dr. Huntsman brings a background of deep engagement with the scientific and medical communities, leadership in the shaping of the Life Sciences Discovery Fund proposal and a well-earned reputation for wisdom and integrity."

In May, Gov. Gregoire won legislative approval for the Life Sciences Discovery Fund. A total of $350 million in forthcoming strategic tobacco settlement funds will be used to attract an additional $650 million in private capital. The $1 billion fund will be used to help finance groundbreaking research and development of biomedical and other scientific advances to ease human suffering and make Washington a center for these activities.

The fund is being overseen by a board chaired by Dr. Lura Powell, who was appointed last month by the governor. The governor will appoint seven board members. Four have been appointed by the Legislature: Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown; Senate Minority Leader Bill Finkbeiner; chair of the House Technology Committee, Rep. Jeff Morris; and the ranking minority member on the House Judiciary Committee, Rep. Skip Priest.


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