CONTACT: Randy Carmical, Director of Communications
SDSU College of Business Administration
(619) 594-0206
Randy.Carmical@sdsu.edu

Greg Geissman, Public Relations Manager
Invitrogen Corporation
(760) 476-7032
Gregory.Geissman@invitrogen.com

SAN DIEGO, Thursday, February 24, 2005 – San Diego State University (SDSU) will host Dr. Leroy Hood during the premier event for the Invitrogen Distinguished Lecture Series on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 in the Aztec Athletics Center Auditorium from 5-6 p.m. The topic of Dr. Hood's lecture will be "Systems Biology and the Networks of Life.” The event is open to the public but seating is limited and an RSVP is required online at www.sdsu.edu/cbaRSVP.

Hood is recognized as one of the world's leading scientists in molecular biotechnology and genomics. With his development of the DNA gene sequencer and other automated biotechnical instrumentation, Hood has played a crucial role in contributing to the successful mapping of the human genome during the 1990s. His lifelong contributions to biotechnology have earned him the prestigious Lemelson-MIT Prize for Invention and Innovation, the 2002 Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology and the Lasker Award in 1987. Hood is the cofounder of more than 10 companies and coholder of 14 patents.

“We are thrilled to host Dr. Leroy Hood on our campus. Dr. Hood has a wealth of experience in the biotech arena, particularly with regard to bringing new products to the marketplace. It is a wonderful learning opportunity for both science and business students to hear firsthand from someone of this high caliber,” said SDSU President Stephen Weber.

The annual Invitrogen Distinguished Lecture Series highlights Invitrogen Corporation’s investment in the local community and its commitment to higher education in the life sciences and business. As part of Invitrogen’s $150,000 three-year commitment, a $25,000 fellowship will be awarded to a SDSU student participating in the joint Life Sciences Ph.D or MBA program each year.

"Dr. Hood's contributions to the biotechnology industry have sparked a wave of innovation that has resulted in an unrivaled acceleration of new therapies," said Gregory T. Lucier, Chairman and CEO of Invitrogen Corporation. "Welcoming him to San Diego, one of the most recognized biotechnology centers in the world, is a perfect way to kick off the Invitrogen Distinguished Lecture Series."

In 2004, Invitrogen Corporation joined with SDSU to establish the first joint Ph.D.-MBA program in the nation that focuses both degrees in the life sciences and features direct involvement with biotech companies. “One of the biggest challenges in our industry is attracting candidates who have the skill to envision functional applications for cutting edge research,” said Lucier. “The types of candidates that companies such as ours seek out are those who will make a tangible impact on improving the human condition. This new program is a positive step in training skilled scientists to become the business leaders of tomorrow.”

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s more than 33,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

Invitrogen provides products and services that support academic and government research institutions and pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide in their efforts to improve the human condition. Its life science technologies improve and accelerate all areas of research, drug discovery, and commercial bioproduction.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 72 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s nearly 33,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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