Late-breaking legislation to construct research buildings at Arizona's three state universities passed its first test yesterday. The House Commerce and Military Affairs Committee passed the $400 million measure by a vote of 10-2.

Late-breaking legislation is expected to be introduced today that would provide $400 million to construct research buildings at the state's three universities. The bill is on a fast track: It must clear the Legislature by the end of April.

Six workgroups comprised of statewide bioscience and economic development leaders have been launched to develop specific recommendations to advance Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap, a long-term strategy to propel Arizona to national biosciences stature.

The Arizona Republic ran a package of articles in yesterday's Sunday edition to report on the present activities and future directions of Arizona's bioscience/biotech sectors.

A 10-year strategy to propel Arizona to national biosciences prominence entered the implementation phase in early 2003. Dubbed Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap, the project focuses this year on forming statewide working groups to begin developing short- and long-term strategies to implement…

In the early 1990s, Paul Johnson led the City of Phoenix as the youngest mayor of a major U.S. city. Today, though no longer in an elected post, his political skills are essential in leading a statewide charge to grow…

Two bills that would enhance Arizona's biosciences sector are moving through the Legislature. One would ease university technology-transfer restrictions, the other provide $29 million for research facilities at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.