Georgia Life Sciences Association Statement on the Release of the NSCEB Final Report and Action Plan

Emerging biotechnology is key for U.S. to remain dominant and secure future economic growth in a new era of global competition

Georgia Life Sciences (GLS) applauds the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) for its leadership and vision in publishing its final report and action plan to Congress. This comprehensive roadmap is a vital step toward securing and advancing U.S. leadership in biotechnology at a critical moment for our nation's competitiveness, security, and economic future.


We strongly support the Commission’s call for urgent federal action, including the proposed $15 billion in new investments over five years, to ensure the U.S. biotechnology sector remains the global leader in innovation and commercialization. These resources will help drive transformative advances across healthcare, manufacturing, national security, and more.


The timing of this report is especially critical as our nation’s life sciences research and innovation infrastructure, particularly at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), faces considerable uncertainty. Strong federal leadership and investment are essential to maintain the momentum of discovery, innovation, and public health progress.


The report’s 49 recommendations, organized across six strategic pillars, offer a bold and actionable framework:

  • Prioritize biotechnology at the national level
  • Mobilize the private sector to get U.S. products to scale
  • Maximize the benefits of biotechnology for defense
  • Out-innovate our strategic competitors
  • Build the biotechnology workforce of the future
  • Mobilize the collective strengths of our allies and partners


Georgia Life Sciences encourages members of the Georgia congressional delegation to endorse the Commission’s report and advocate for its swift and full implementation by the administration. Georgia's leadership in life sciences innovation positions our state to be a key contributor in realizing the report’s vision, and federal support is essential to maximizing this opportunity for both regional and national impact.


As Georgia continues to grow its vibrant life sciences ecosystem, we recognize the immense potential of a coordinated national strategy to accelerate innovation, empower our workforce, and foster public-private partnerships. We look forward to working with policymakers, industry partners, and research institutions to implement these recommendations and deliver biotechnology solutions that improve lives and strengthen our country. As the report states, without this type of transformational investment, our adversaries will work to leverage their biotech advancements to attack, destroy, starve, and harm the U.S.


The full text of the final report can be found here: https://biotech.senate.gov 

Announcement: https://www.biotech.senate.gov/press-releases/nsceb-publishes-final-report/

BIO's statement is here.

Study Maps Economic Fallout of NIH Cuts in Georgia

By Maria Thacker Goethe • April 18, 2025
The Science & Community Impacts Mapping Project (SCIMaP) shows how proposed federal funding cuts lead to reduced economic activity and job losses nationwide.

Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner

By Sheran Brown • April 10, 2025
Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner Sandy Springs & Rockmart Teens Take Top Honors in Statewide Science Competition Atlanta, GA (April 4, 2025) – Georgia Life Sciences today named Bhavya Alapati , a junior at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, as the winner of the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in the biotechnology field. Eleven students from across Georgia competed for this year’s title and cash prize. Bhavya’s project investigated a novel method of identifying strokes using a device she created called SpectroStroke, a small-scale spectrophotometer, to detect homocysteine, an amino acid product that is associated with stroke. Bhavya identified the ability of homocysteine to be detected using Ellman’s reagent, which reacts with the free sulfhydryl group on the molecule to produce a yellow color. Bhavya created a wearable patch that contains the Ellman’s reagent. Then, she designed the SpectroStroke to be able to detect the color change when the patch is exposed to elevated levels of homocysteine. Bhavya’s SpectroStroke can detect normal levels of homocysteine up to extremely high levels seen in those experiencing a stroke. The ability to detect a stroke earlier would reduce damage and long-term effects of the condition. A future iteration of the SpectroStroke would include real-time monitoring capabilities to help track changing homocysteine levels. "Supporting and celebrating outstanding research and innovation in biotechnology is vital for the future of science and medicine. The Georgia BioGENEius Challenge not only encourages the brightest young minds to explore their potential but also nurtures the next generation of leaders who will drive groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology,” said Georgia Life Sciences President and CEO Maria Thacker-Goethe. “By recognizing and empowering these students, we are helping to shape a future where innovation thrives and the possibilities for improving lives are endless. Well done, Bhavya!” Georgia Life Sciences also congratulates the Georgia BioGENEius runner-up, Shelby Kendrick , who is a senior at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA. Shelby’s research investigated the ability of Aspergillus terreus, a fungus found in soil, to degrade pre-treated polypropylene plastic (PP). This fungus has been discovered to produce high concentrations of degrading enzymes and raises the moisture level of its substrate. Shelby isolated the fungus from soil samples and confirmed the species using PCR amplification and DNA barcoding. Samples of polypropylene were pre-treated with 75% ethanol and UV exposure, then placed in a liquid culture of A. terreus in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM) media, and the culture was incubated for 23 days. At the end of the trial period, PP samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. These samples showed changes in their surface layer, indicating evidence of biodegradation. Polypropylene plastic is found in household items such as plastic cups and is a known problem in the environment due to its inability to degrade. Shelby’s future research on the use of A. terreus for biodegradation includes optimizing degradation conditions and assessing methods of application in the environment. Judging the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge were Ralph L. Cordell, CDC, and Alex Harvey, ViaMune. Cash prizes were awarded to Bhavya and Shelby. # # # About Georgia Life Sciences Georgia Life Sciences, founded in 1989, is a non-profit, membership-based organization that promotes the interests and growth of the life sciences industry. It is the state’s largest and most influential life sciences advocacy and business leadership organization working to improve access to innovative discoveries that have lifesaving impact. The association connects business, academia, government, and other allied entities involved in the application of life sciences products to fuel growth and collaboration through policy development, community programs, national industry initiatives, and a portfolio of educational and networking events. Learn more at galifesciences.org.

Georgia Life Sciences Statement on U.S. Tariff Announcement

By Sheran Brown • April 4, 2025
Updates: Since this statement was made, the administration announced, April 9, a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. See the AdvaMed CEO statement on this change. GLS aligns with this statement. April 3, 2025 The recent U.S. tariff announcement has sent ripples through the life sciences, biotech, and MedTech industries, raising concerns about its potential impact on innovation, manufacturing, and global supply chains. While some sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, have been temporarily exempt from these new tariffs, the uncertainty surrounding future trade policies remains a significant challenge for our industry. These tariffs—set to take effect on April 5—include a base 10% tariff on all countries, with reciprocal tariffs reaching up to 50% on certain nations. There are growing concerns that these measures could increase costs for life-saving medical technologies, disrupt supply chains, and hinder job growth. Additionally, the agricultural biotech sector will likely be affected immediately, particularly with higher tariffs on non-USMCA-compliant goods. Pharmaceuticals, while currently exempt, may face their own tariffs in the near future, pending a potential Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical manufacturing and national security. Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem thrives on innovation, investment, and global collaboration. Our industry depends on stable, predictable trade policies that support growth, not policies that introduce uncertainty and additional financial burdens. We must ensure that trade policies protect patients, support manufacturers, and sustain the broader biotech and MedTech economy. Georgia Life Sciences will continue to monitor these developments in partnership with our national associations and work closely with our members and policymakers to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. We encourage our community to stay engaged and share any concerns about how these tariffs may impact your businesses, workforce, and supply chains. For questions or to provide input on how these policies affect your organization, please reach out to our team.
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