April 19, 2004

Pfizer Provides $700,000 Worth Of Equipment
And Support To UCSD’s Division Of Physical Sciences

By Lindsay Orth

The University of California, San Diego today announced a series of gifts from Pfizer Global Research & Development exceeding $700,000. The gifts include an in-kind donation of scientific instrumentation equipment valued at more than $500,000 and an additional $200,000 to help launch a new academic program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the Division of Physical Sciences.

The in-kind gift of instrumentation will be used for teaching undergraduate students and conducting research. Students and faculty alike will benefit from 32 pieces of high-tech equipment that will better allow industry laboratories to be simulated on campus and contribute to producing UCSD alumni who are well prepared to begin their careers.

“The company’s gift of $200,000 will underwrite curriculum advancement in the Molecular Design and Synthesis program,” says Cliff Kubiak, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “We are excited to work with our colleagues at Pfizer and to provide our students an enhanced laboratory experience.”

This newly formed and first-of-its-kind degree program, offered to undergraduate students, emphasizes modern approaches to molecular sciences, specifically, the design and creation of useful and novel molecules. The program focuses on hands-on training and its graduates will apply their molecular synthesis skills in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and chemistry.

“UCSD is very grateful for these gifts which will have a very positive impact on our teaching and research programs,” said Mark Thiemens, dean of the Division of Physical Sciences. “In particular, by helping us launch the Molecular Design and Synthesis program, Pfizer will provide new learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and this will soon translate into a group of alumni who will succeed in this critical and promising scientific field.”

“San Diego's rich life sciences community provides an environment for companies like Pfizer to flourish,” said Michael Varney, vice president of drug discovery for Pfizer Global Research and Development. “But to maintain that richness, the region needs large numbers of workers skilled in technical areas like chemistry and biology. We welcome the opportunity to help provide the facilities and equipment UCSD needs to train the undergraduates on whom our company and so many others will depend.”

In recognition of the company’s leadership role in support of UCSD’s science education and exploration, a state-of-the-art laboratory in the new Natural Sciences Building will be named the Pfizer Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory. The Natural Sciences Building opened in summer 2003 and houses teaching and research laboratories for the Division of Physical Sciences and the Division of Biological Sciences.

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands. It is the world's largest pharmaceutical company with the world's largest privately funded biomedical research organization. The company markets eight of the world's 30 best-selling prescription medicines, more than any other company. Pfizer invests more than any other pharmaceutical company on research and development (R&D).

Pfizer’s gifts contribute to the $1 billion fund-raising goal of The Campaign for UCSD: Imagine What’s Next. Campaign priorities include supporting students and faculty through scholarships, fellowships and endowed chairs; creating and expanding academic programs; funding research endeavors and health sciences advancements; and providing innovation funds and unrestricted support. To date, UCSD has raised $591.7 million; the campaign is scheduled to conclude in June 2007.

Media Contact: Lindsay Orth, 858-822-5309