In mid-December, Morris “Marty” Silverman donated $7 million to RPI during finals week in order to accelerate biotechnological research.
Silverman’s donation will be added to an additional $7 million allotted from Rensselaer and all funds will be used to form the Noble Enterprise Constellation.
The Noble Enterprise Constellation consists of junior and senior researchers in biotechnology who will work jointly at the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health and hold faculty positions at RPI.
In fact, Silverman declared that, “through the Noble Enterprise Constellation, world-class faculty and scientific researchers will find answers to great problems in human health and will bring international recognition to the Capital Region’s leadership in biotechnology. The flame we light together today will ignite progress into the 22nd century.”
As envisioned by Silverman, the creation of the Noble Enterprise Constellation will generate recognition of the Capital Region as a center of research. New York State Governor George E. Pataki praised the Troy native’s efforts. “Mr. Silverman’s personal investment in this public-private partnership for biotechnology research provides a major boost to scientific inquiry and economic development here in New York State and, most specifically, in the Capital Region,” Pataki said.
The Noble Constellation research group is expected to conduct research in the areas of regenerative medicine and in tissue engineering, or the replacement and regeneration of damaged tissues and organs.
RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson stated that, “Biotechnology research—especially research in the areas of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering—holds great promise for our ability in bringing healing and hope to the many millions who suffer. This gift is of global importance in our effort to alleviate the pain and despair throughout the world.”
Biology professor Robert Parsons believes that, “[The gift] will have a very positive affect on research at RPI. It will create a larger presence in [biotechnogy] in the [local] area.”
Silverman’s philanthropy has reached other Capital Region biotechnology efforts.
Just a few years ago, in 2000, Silverman helped to establish the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research. This $500,000 prize is the largest medical prize awarded in United States.
