UPDATE: Trudeau Institute to say in Saranac Lake

This news just in from Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake.  The organization plans unambiguously to remain at its current headquarters in the Adirondacks. Here’s the statement from President David Woodland:

“The Trudeau Institute is committed to Saranac Lake and is dedicated to advancing biomedical research in the region.  As we further develop our long-term plan focused on maintaining our status as a premier research organization, our goal is to continue to thrive in the Adirondacks while pushing the frontiers of biomedical science.”

This news is sending shockwaves of the happiest sort through the North Country.  Losing Trudeau would have been a serious blow to the region’s economy.

The Adirondack Daily Enterprise is up with the best early coverage.  Chris Knight spoke with one of the board members, Saranac Lake physician Dorothy Federman.

Dr. Dorothy Federman, a Saranac Lake physician who’s a trustee of the Institute, said the issue was discussed for 10 hours following a presentation by Trudeau’s consultants on the Institute’s options for future growth and expansion.

“It was a nearly unanimous decision following the presentation that Trudeau belongs in Saranac Lake,” she said. “The board of trustees of Trudeau Institute is committed to the Institute staying in Saranac Lake.”

Here’s state Sen. Betty Little’s statement:

“I’m very pleased that the board of trustees is committed to keeping the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake,” said Senator Betty Little.  “Obviously, this is great news for the region and a relief to many I have spoken with over the past couple of months.  Trudeau is an incredible institution that has an enormously positive impact on our region.  I will do everything I can to ensure this institute remains at the forefront of biomedical research.”

And here’s the full press statement from Trudeau:

The Trudeau Institute Pledges Its Commitment to Saranac Lake

Trudeau will remain in Saranac and is dedicated to advancing biomedical research in Adirondacks
Saranac Lake, NY – The Trudeau Institute’s Board of Trustees announced today that the Institute is committed to staying in Saranac Lake.

“The Trudeau Institute is committed to Saranac Lake and is dedicated to advancing biomedical research in the region,” said Trudeau President Dr. David Woodland. “As we further develop our long-term plan focused on maintaining our status as a premier research organization, our goal is to continue to thrive in the Adirondacks while pushing the frontiers of biomedical science.”

“I want to thank the Board for their attention to this process and their swift decision-making,” continued Dr. Woodland. “I also want to thank our legislators for their offers of support. We intend to continue this important discussion with our elected officials as Trudeau needs the support of our federal and state government in order to grow while meeting our mission of improving human health.”

“While the decision was made to continue our deep history in Saranac Lake, Trudeau is currently finalizing a growth plan and a path that allows us to adapt to the accelerating pace of biomedical research,” said Dr. Woodland. “We intend to contact local philanthropists, scientists and members of our community to help us plot a path forward.”

The Trudeau Institute is an independent, not-for-profit, biomedical research organization, whose scientific mission is to make breakthrough discoveries leading to improved human health. Trudeau researchers are identifying the basic mechanisms used by the immune system to combat viruses like influenza, mycobacteria, such as tuberculosis, parasites and cancer, so that better vaccines and therapies can be developed for fighting deadly disease. The research is supported by government grants and philanthropic contributions.

Tags: adirondacks, economy, Trudeau Institute