Emory Alum to Lead Major Biotech Research Institute in Alabama

Dr. Neil Lamb to serve as President, Dr. Rick Myers to serve as Chief Scientific Officer

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced today that Neil
Lamb, PhD, current Vice President for Educational Outreach, will be the new President of the
Institute effective July 1, 2022, as rapid economic growth and advancements in genomics and
life science research have driven the expansion of its executive leadership team. Richard
Myers, PhD, current President and Science Director, will serve as HudsonAlpha’s new Chief
Scientific Officer and President Emeritus.
Dr. Neil Lamb completed his PhD and postgraduate training in 1997 at Emory University and
served on the faculty in human genetics and was responsible for lab management, bioethics
oversight and genetic education in the school of medicine until 2006. His career shifted from
hands-on science to science education when he found his true calling: inspiring a passion for
human genetics and technology in others.
Dr. Lamb came to HudsonAlpha in 2006 to lead the educational outreach team from conception,
creating innovative teacher training and toolkits, student experiences, public enrichment, and
digital resources that have reshaped how science education is now delivered. Throughout his
tenure as Vice President for Educational Outreach, Dr. Lamb has been a public ambassador for
HudsonAlpha and a strategic internal advisor helping guide the Institute’s growth. He has
shared stories of genomic research through his series, Biotech Basics, and on his blog,
Shareable Science. As President, he will now drive the strategic vision and lead day-to-day
operations for the entire organization.
“This expansion of our executive team will allow us to focus more resources on our mission and
expand our local, regional, and global impact for years to come,” said Dr.Lamb. “Stepping into
the role of President and working even closer with the men and women here at the Institute is
humbling. I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity that lies ahead.”
Dr. Rick Myers has been with HudsonAlpha since its doors opened in 2008, serving as
President and Science Director, and as the M. A. Loya Chair in Genomics since 2020. Dr. Myers
came to HudsonAlpha from Stanford’s Human Genome Center, where he led a team that was a
major contributor to the Human Genome Project—the international research effort that
sequenced the entire human genome. As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Myers will devote his focus
to scientific discovery, achievement, and momentum while providing strategic support and
guidance to Dr. Lamb.
“Rick Myers and Neil Lamb have been critical to the success, innovation, and growth we’ve
seen since Lonnie McMillian and I first launched HudsonAlpha,” said Jim Hudson,
HudsonAlpha co-founder and chairman of the board. “With Neil’s vision and work ethic leading
the organization along with the innovative research led by Rick, we are truly poised to amplify
our work as HudsonAlpha’s reach and impact continue to grow.”
HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a nonprofit institute located in Huntsville, Alabama,
dedicated to developing and applying scientific advances to health, agriculture, learning, and
commercialization. The HudsonAlpha biotechnology campus consists of 152 acres nestled
within Cummings Research Park (CRP), the nation’s second largest research park. The
state-of-the-art facilities co-locate nonprofit scientific researchers with entrepreneurs and
educators. HudsonAlpha is a national and international leader in genetics and genomics
research and biotech education and fosters more than 48 diverse biotech companies on
campus.
The Institute is a global leader in using advanced genomic technologies to solve challenges
related to human health and modern agriculture, while simultaneously engaging and preparing
tomorrow’s bioscience workforce. According to a recent study, HudsonAlpha has generated $3.2
billion economic impact for the state of Alabama between 2006 and 2020, with an increase of
$750 million during 2019-2020. The campus is home to more than 1,100 employees and 48
associate life science companies.
HudsonAlpha and resident associate companies co-located on the biotech campus have
continued to expand their footprint in multiple sectors across the biosciences including research,
testing and medical labs, pharmaceuticals, agriculture feedstock and chemicals, technology
development and medical devices and equipment. The HudsonAlpha campus continues to
expand, with new construction underway on a 13,000 square foot agricultural space and a
96,000 square foot global headquarters for resident associate company Discovery Life
Sciences.
With this executive expansion, HudsonAlpha will be seeking a new Vice President for
Educational Outreach. Find more information in the coming days at www.hudsonalpha.org.

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WATCH to learn more about HudsonAlpha’s growth and executive team expansion:
https://vimeo.com/675922395

MEDIA CONTACT:
Thursday, February 10, 2022 Nikki Rohling
nrohling@hudsonalpha.org
256-327-9417