2024 HudsonAlpha Year in Review

Our scientists are driving significant advancements in genomics and biotechnology, leveraging innovative techniques and collaborative partnerships to elevate HudsonAlpha's status as a global leader. 2024 was filled with groundbreaking scientific discoveries, grant funding victories, and faculty growth. 

It was a very successful year for grant funding. HudsonAlpha scientists secured more than $10 million in grant funding. Some of our grant wins included: 

• A team of HudsonAlpha scientists, the University of Tennessee, Auburn University, and several regional collaborators were invited to compete in the second-ever US National Science Foundation (NSF) “Regional Innovation Engines” (NSF Engines) program's next stage. 
• Two postdoctoral fellows received USDA-NIFA fellowships to use genomics to improve economically valuable crops in the US. 
• Nick Cochran and Rick Myers were awarded a 5-year, $3.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study a gene involved in various dementias. 
• Greg Cooper, Jane Grimwood, and Jeremy Schmutz were awarded a 5-year, $2.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify genetic contributors to rare diseases in children using long-read sequencing technology. 
• Alex Harkess and collaborators at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center were awarded a four-year National Science Foundation (NSF) Enabling Discovery through GEnomics (EDGE) grant to advance their understanding of sphagnum moss, a crucial component of peatlands and a vital player in global ecosystems.

HudsonAlpha’s research mission area experienced growth this year, welcoming a new faculty member and promoting several existing scientists. Highlights include:  

• In May, Dr. Andrew Kodani joined HudsonAlpha from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He specializes in human genetics to understand the fundamental basis of brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Dr. Flo Behn was promoted to VP for Research Administration and Development.
• Four senior scientists from HudsonAlpha labs were promoted to the position of Research Faculty Investigator. The new position is a career pathway for Senior Scientists to become more independent while working within the research program of a Faculty Investigator. They develop sponsored project proposals, serve as principal investigators and co-investigators on sponsored projects, collaborations, and training programs, and contribute to faculty research and training activities.

HudsonAlpha scientists authored more than 84 peer-reviewed manuscripts in 2024. A few of the studies are highlighted below. 

HudsonAlpha’s economic development group continued to foster innovation on campus. This year, the Institute earned the Innovate Alabama Network Designation and funding for two key initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses across the state. One such effort is the HudsonAlpha Shared Lab which is set to open next year. This intentional lab space will provide an affordable way for early-stage ideas and startups to access bench space and equipment to advance cutting-edge technologies.

Additionally, the economic development team has been hard at work, supercharging its work to support the growing startup ecosystem. This year, six more startups from around the nation participated in the HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, with a plan for more in 2025. Through a grant from Innovate Alabama, the Institute will bolster its support to early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators on campus to boost their ability to attract investors, customers, partners, and growth.

For the first time in its 16-year history, more than 50 biotech companies of all sizes and stages call HudsonAlpha home. In 2024, the resident associate companies received millions of dollars in grants and investment funding, added to their workforces, and expanded commercial capabilities.