Researchers at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, are in the comprehensive process of unraveling the mysteries of human health. Why do some people develop neurodegenerative diseases while others do not? Do hormones play a role in social behavior? What new treatments will slow or stop the progression of infectious and noninfectious diseases? At Yerkes, research is focused on understanding the human body and behavior and on beginning the translational research process. Research at Yerkes provides a vital connection to further scientific discovery that will improve the health of our nation and the world.
The Yerkes Research Center is an international leader in biomedical and behavioral research. As one of only eight National Institutes of Health–designated national primate research centers, Yerkes is unique in its position to carry out such diverse research. The center houses nearly 3,600 nonhuman primates and more than 13,000 rodents between the main center on Emory’s Atlanta campus and the Yerkes field station in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
As a lead primate research center and as a national resource for the bioscience industry, the Yerkes Research Center has become an integral and important part of Gwinnett County and its economic development success, particularly with the bioscience industry. Stuart Zola, PhD, Director of the Yerkes Research Center joined the Chairman’s Club in 2007. Dr. Zola believes Yerkes helps to make Gwinnett County unique.
“Gwinnett has a leading national primate research center. There is nowhere else in the world where this type of behavioral and translational research is conducted, and because of this
Yerkes helps to draw the interest of the biomedical industry to Gwinnett,” said Dr. Zola.
“Discoveries happen here,” continued Zola. “The bioscience industry can and does take advantage of the research and discoveries Yerkes is producing.”
In addition to drawing the attention of one of Gwinnett’s target industries, Yerkes is also working to prepare future scientists through its partnerships with the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science & Technology and Georgia Gwinnett College. “We collaborate on training programs and internships where students work directly with scientists to complete projects,” said Dr. Zola. “The scientists at Yerkes help the students understand how science works and become their mentors.”
“For nearly seven decades, Yerkes has been dedicated to improving human health and well-being and to advancing scientific understanding of primate biology, behavior, veterinary care and conservation,” said Dr. Zola. “We look forward to working the Gwinnett Chamber to help move forward our cause of advancing scientific discovery and improving human health.”
For more information on the Yerkes Primate Research Center, visit www.yerkes.emory.edu.
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