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At Pitt

Pitt BioForge Is Poised to Lead the Life Sciences Century

A fall 2024 topping-off ceremony marked the latest major milestone for Pitt BioForge, a facility that promises to transform how precision biological medicines are made and drive life sciences innovation in the region. BioForge is intended to activate breakthroughs in the way targeted cell and gene therapies are produced, making them more affordable and accessible.

Construction of the facility is on track to meet its targeted completion date of 2026, with progress aligned with the Plan for Pitt 2028 timeline.

Group gather in front of contruction of the Pitt BioForge building

Leaders in Assistive Technologies

Rory Cooper, assistant vice chancellor for research for STEM-health sciences collaborations and founding director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the nation’s highest honor for technological achievement. Cooper and his researchers use technology to revolutionize the design, construction and use of powered and manual wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

José-Alain Sahel, Distinguished Professor and The Eye and Ear Foundation Endowed Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, was awarded the 2024 Wolf Prize in Medicine, one of the world’s most prestigious honors in science. Sahel is a global leader in vision restoration techniques who is known for his breakthrough work in using optogenetics to partially restore sight to the blind.

Key Initiatives Launched

Pitt Looks to the Future

In 2024, Pitt Information Technology, the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research began spearheading the Digital Future Initiative, which aims to advance the future of education through the responsible and ethical use of digital technology throughout the University.

Pitt Earns First Sustainable Development Impact Ranking

The University achieved a Plan for Pitt 2028 outcome in 2024 by earning first-time recognition in the Times Higher Education’s 2024 University Impact Rankings, which measure global universities’ success in delivering the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University’s best-performing categories were the SDGs focusing on gender equality, reduced inequalities, climate action and partnerships for the goals.