Shriners Children’s Research Institute is headed to Atlanta and will invest more than $153 million into the location at Science Square and create 470 jobs, according to an announcement Wednesday by Gov. Brian Kemp. Shriners Children’s is a nonprofit pediatric specialty healthcare system with locations across North America and a global reach.
“Shriners Children’s is an incredible addition to Georgia’s growing nonprofit, R&D, and life sciences communities,” said Kemp. “Our commitment to being the Top State for Talent attracts outstanding organizations and partners like this that further life-changing research at our top-ranked research universities across the state. I’m grateful for Shriners Children’s decision to bet on Georgia and our talent to improve lives for generations to come.”
Shriners Children’s focuses on orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions, burn injuries, spinal cord injury rehabilitation, and cleft lip and palate. Shriners Children’s mission also features a commitment to education and research. A unique pediatric the healthcare system founded by members of the Shriners International fraternity in 1922. Last year, Shriners Children’s served patients from all 50 U.S. states, every province in Canada, and 128 countries.
“We are thrilled to be establishing this new center for world-class pediatric medical research in Georgia,” said Shriners Children’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Leslie D. Stewart. “The opportunities to advance our research through collaborations and partnerships such as the one with Georgia Tech made Atlanta the clear choice.”
The Shriners Children’s Research Institute will have its home in Science Square Labs, which is strategically located across from Georgia Tech’s North Avenue Research Area. Officials said the organization will recruit talent across research fields, including cell and gene therapies, robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, biologics, and data informatics, as well as administrative and support roles.
“The Shriners Children’s Research Institute will serve as a multidisciplinary innovation hub to advance the healthcare of children,” said Dr. Marc Lalande, Shriners Children’s Vice President of Research Programs. “The close partnership with the outstanding biomedical engineers and scientists from Georgia Tech and Emory University will accelerate discovery and spearhead new treatments and therapies.”
“Shriners Children’s embodies the kind of investment we strive to attract – a world-class organization that gives back to the community, creates high-quality jobs, and strengthens Georgia’s growing life sciences ecosystem,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “From the exceptional team effort that brought this project to Georgia to the research partnerships it will inspire, the Shriners Children’s Research Institute is a powerful example of our collaborative approach to economic development and innovation.”
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts and Katie Kirkpatrick, president & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber all celebrated the announcement.
“Backed by metro Atlanta’s world-class universities and a robust talent pipeline, Shriners Children’s new Research Institute exemplifies the region’s momentum in cutting-edge research and global innovation,” said Kirkpatrick “Their investment strengthens Science Square’s emergence as a hub for AI, data, and life sciences breakthroughs.”
