The Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Pandemic Center for Innovation and Excellence (OPCIE) is the first of its kind. A collaborative, immersive campus located in the heart of the U.S. bringing disruptive science to the fields of human, animal, and environmental health. With innovation at its core, the OPCIE leverages public/ private partnerships to bridge the gap between laboratory and clinical practices and creates improved public health responses to the unique needs of rural, urban, and tribal communities. A ?One Health? approach is recognizing the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and the environment. This places the OPCIE as a global leader in promoting pandemic awareness and preserving public health. The State?s Science and Innovation Strategic Plan outlines the vision for establishing Oklahoma as a global leader in scientific research and innovation through state-of-the-art research facilities, cutting edge technology and progressive partnerships. Partnerships will attract bright minds and talent together in one place to live, study and solve the world?s most pressing public health threats through experiential, research, and development efforts. In addition, this request includes the complete redesign of the state?s public health lab, and if approved, will eliminate the need for a previously approved $58 million bond.

EVIDENCE

The State of Oklahoma has experience establishing scientific centers of excellence. The National Weather Center in Norman, Oklahoma is an example of our State fostering one-of-kind collaborative work environments for federal, state and academic endeavors to improve and predict life threatening situations. Recent visits with Dr. Kelvin Droegemeier (OU), pioneer of the National Weather Center and White House Project Warp Speed; Dr. Eric Lander, White House Office of Science and Technology; Secretary Xavier Becerra, HHS, have confirmed that the OPCIE is nation leading and in line with what thought experts believe is required for future pandemic preparedness.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on medically vulnerable populations, minority populations and the elderly. The introduction of a global leader in the study of pandemic science via the One Health model will allow for earlier detection, response and the production of new resources to proactively identify future viruses and provide treatments that will benefit these vulnerable populations as well as all Oklahomans.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The Plan includes the establishment of an Office of Science and Innovation which will be tasked with measuring and reporting outcomes around key areas where our state continues to lag the nation ? health, education and innovation. Some key performance indicators that will be assessed for OPCIE include: ? Total amount of federal funds secured to support the One Health Park and associated research projects ? Total number of public/private partnerships established and associated value ? Growth in University faculty as a result of the Center ? Growth in number of venture-backed deals related to the Center ? Impact on economic development

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma