Kathy Nugent, Ph.D., executive director of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Harbert Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, has been named senior associate vice president and chief biotechnology and innovation officer.
In this expanded role, Nugent serves as a key leader for UAB and its affiliate organizations, including the HIIE, UAB Research Foundation, Southern Research and clinical entities. This position is responsible for advancing biotechnology research, innovation and commercialization efforts across the UAB enterprise. It represents a strategic alignment of UAB and Southern Research leadership roles, enhancing collaborative efforts and driving efficiency in their shared mission of innovation and research excellence.
“Kathy’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in driving innovation and commercialization at UAB,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “Aligning UAB and Southern Research leadership roles this way is efficient, and she will further strengthen our collaborative efforts with Southern Research, enhancing our ability to translate groundbreaking research into real-world solutions that benefit our community and beyond. Kathy’s vision and dedication make her the ideal leader to advance our mission of excellence in biotechnology and innovation.”
Nugent, who oversees the commercialization efforts of all UAB technologies with the HIIE, will further strategic initiatives that foster cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, technology transfer, and economic and workforce development.
“I am excited to expand this role, which will allow us to build on our recent successes in fostering an innovative ecosystem, particularly in biotechnology and life sciences,” Nugent said. “By advancing research, forming industry partnerships and supporting technology transfer, we aim to drive significant economic development and job creation in Birmingham and across the state. Our goal is to attract and nurture companies that will contribute to the growth of our local economy and establish Birmingham as a hub for innovation and biotechnology.”
Nugent will work closely with faculty, researchers, industry leaders, government agencies and funding organizations to drive transformative biotechnology advancements that align with UAB’s and its affiliates’ missions. This includes Southern Research and its Station 41 biotech commercialization hub, which provides resources such as funding, expertise and wet lab space to support the development and commercialization of biotech products.
“The benefits of having someone with Kathy’s knowledge and expertise in this role will be tremendous for UAB, for Southern Research and for Birmingham,” said Coleman Loper, interim CEO of Southern Research. “Kathy has a proven track record and experience in technology transfer, startup formation and intellectual property management. Her demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams across academia, industry and government sectors, will be an asset in ensuring we are populating Station 41 with tenants who have a high probability of success.”
Nugent will be stepping down as chair of the Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences in the School of Health Professions to focus attention on her expanded role immediately. Nugent will continue as an associate professor in the School of Health Professions’ Biotechnology program.
The HIIE has been instrumental in translating UAB discoveries into successful products and startup businesses. Among the success stories are IN8bio, Resbiotic, TIXiMED, Reliant Glycosciences, ReACT FND, iNOvodel, each highlighting the Harbert Institute’s role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, leading to impactful advancements in biotechnology and health care.
Southern Research is a pioneering nonprofit scientific research organization with a rich legacy of more than 80 years. It has significantly shaped modern cancer treatment practices, developing seven FDA-approved cancer drugs and testing more than half of the active chemotherapies in the United States. With a $150 million annual economic impact, Southern Research is a cornerstone of innovation and economic growth in Alabama.
