VelocityTX Collaboration with the U.S. Air Force
On a notable recent Tuesday, VelocityTX announced the establishment of a new research office by the U.S. Air Force’s 59th Medical Wing at their innovation campus located in East San Antonio. As the largest and most comprehensive medical wing within the Air Force, this initiative marks an exciting step forward in leveraging military medical research to enhance civilian collaborations.
About VelocityTX
VelocityTX, formerly known as the Texas Research and Technology Foundation, is a nonprofit organization committed to furthering the bioscience sector in San Antonio. The collaboration with the 59th Medical Wing is part of their broader mission to create synergies between military medical organizations and private-sector innovators. This partnership aims to build a bridge that enhances communication and cooperation between these two vital sectors.
Location and Facilities
The 59th Medical Wing will be conducting its research out of a satellite office within VelocityTX’s newly inaugurated Co-Labs facility. Additionally, select staff members will operate from private offices at the adjacent VelocityTX Innovation Center on East Houston Street. This strategic location fosters a unique environment where military personnel and civilian innovators can work closely together, promoting an exchange of ideas and advancements.
Research Focus on Traumatic Brain Injuries
One of the primary research areas for the wing at this facility will be the investigation of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs occur as a result of external forces, such as blows to the head, and are a significant concern for military personnel. A report from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center shows that nearly 414,000 TBIs were documented among U.S. service members worldwide between 2000 and late 2019. TBIs have been recognized as one of the most common injuries among veterans returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Importance of Military and Private Sector Collaboration
Rene Dominguez, president and CEO of VelocityTX, highlighted the growing demand from military partners for close collaboration with private entities. This relationship aims to drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and attract investments in San Antonio’s emerging bioscience industry. He stated, “This partnership helps facilitate collaboration, drive innovation, create jobs, and generate investment in San Antonio’s growing bioscience industry.”
Advancing Military Medical Research
Debra Niemeyer, the chief scientist for the 59th Medical Wing, emphasized the critical role that partnerships play in advancing military medical research. She remarked, “By working alongside private sector innovators, we can more quickly harness new technologies to address critical capability gaps in military medicine, benefiting both the armed forces and national security.” Such collaborations underscore the potential for technological advancements to enhance the health and safety of servicemen and women.
Future Goals and Economic Impact
In prior discussions, Dominguez expressed the aim for VelocityTX to transform approximately 70 acres of underutilized or industrial parcels on the East Side into a mixed-use innovation district centered around biosciences and military medical advancements. The significance of this development is magnified by the fact that San Antonio’s healthcare and biosciences sectors serve as the city’s primary economic driver, contributing roughly $44 billion annually. Additionally, the military’s influence on the local economy is substantial, with a 2021 Texas Comptroller’s Office report estimating an economic impact of $39.1 billion from Joint Base San Antonio.
Conclusion
The collaboration between VelocityTX and the U.S. Air Force’s 59th Medical Wing signifies an essential step towards fostering innovation within the military medical research landscape. As they address critical health issues such as traumatic brain injuries, this partnership has the potential to not only improve military healthcare but also bolster the local economy. By merging resources and expertise, both sectors can work towards shared objectives that benefit service members, their families, and the community at large.
FAQs
What is VelocityTX?
VelocityTX is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the bioscience industry in San Antonio. It facilitates collaboration between military medical research organizations and private sector innovators.
What is the primary focus of the research at the 59th Medical Wing’s new office?
The primary focus is on researching traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and understanding their cellular-level effects.
How will the collaboration impact the local economy?
The collaboration is expected to create jobs, attract investments, and promote innovation in the burgeoning biosciences industry in San Antonio, which already contributes significantly to the local economy.
Where is the new research office located?
The 59th Medical Wing’s research office is situated within the VelocityTX Co-Labs facility, with some staff working at the adjacent VelocityTX Innovation Center.
Why is the research on traumatic brain injuries important?
Research on TBIs is crucial due to the high prevalence of these injuries among military personnel. Understanding and addressing TBIs can enhance the quality of care for service members and improve overall military readiness.