Purdue names inaugural institute director
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Purdue University has selected Elizabeth Topp as the inaugural director of the William D. Young Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals Institute beginning in August.
Topp currently serves as a professor in the Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue.
Topp previously was the chief scientific officer of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training in Dublin, Ireland. Her research has focused on the chemical and physical stability of protein drugs and other biologics, Purdue said.
“We are thrilled that Liz will take the helm,” Dan DeLaurentis, vice president of Discovery Park District Institutes and Centers said in written remarks. “Her extensive pharmaceutical research insights and leadership skills will be valuable in drawing together expertise from across colleges and partners to drive innovation and affordable access to high-tech medicines around the country and the world.”
Purdue established the Young Institute in June 2022 with an undisclosed donation from William Young, a Purdue alumnus and pharmaceutical industry executive, and his wife, Sherry.
The university said the focus of the institute is to overhaul pharmaceutical manufacturing “with a goal of reducing costs and expanding access to innovative drugs emerging from biotechnology research.”
The institute has more than 30 founding faculty working to create business models to attract large-scale funding for advanced research and fostering workforce development, according to Purdue. It has also developed an undergraduate certificate in pharmaceutical manufacturing that will be available this fall.
“Working with faculty already involved in the Young Institute, I look forward to extending Purdue’s exceptional reputation in chemistry, engineering, science, and pharmaceutical R&D and training,” Topp said.
The institute is located in the Purdue Research Park.