Addgene announced as finalist for “Best Use of Technology” Award by MassTLC

July 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Addgene is pleased to announce that it has been named a finalist in the Mass Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC)’s 15th Annual Leadership Awards in the category of Best Use of Technology.  The nomination recognizes Addgene’s innovative electronic Material Transfer Agreement (e-MTA) system.

Addgene is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating scientific discoveries by operating a plasmid library for researchers.  Plasmids are DNA-based research reagents commonly used in the life sciences.  Scientists need to share these reagents to collaborate and build upon the work of their colleagues.  Transfer of these reagents between institutions requires an MTA to govern the use of the material.  Prior to Addgene, MTAs were executed on paper and typically took weeks to months to complete, thus delaying the timely advancement of research.

The Addgene e-MTA system dramatically streamlines the process by standardizing the agreements across most non-profit institutions, which reduces negotiation time and resources, and by enabling contract execution with electronic signatures.  Addgene’s e-MTA system has accelerated MTA approval, with the median time now less than 36 hours.  This has made an important impact in the area of scientific sharing.  Addgene has shipped over 225,000 plasmids to research institutions around the world (45% of plasmids are sent outside of the United States). Each reagent exchange has been accompanied by completion of an MTA.

The MassTLC Award spotlights excellence in technology solutions being developed and used by Massachusetts companies.  According to Tom Hopcroft, President and CEO of Mass Technology Leadership Council, “This was a record year for the number of nominations received, making the selection process extremely competitive.”

Joanne Kamens, Executive Director of Addgene, commented “Recognition for a technology developed entirely in a non-profit like Addgene is really extraordinary.  We are delighted that Addgene’s innovative and effective solution has been acknowledged with this honor.”

About Addgene

Addgene is a 501(c)3 non-profit biorepository with a mission to facilitate collaboration and reagent sharing in the biomedical research community.  Addgene has worked with over 1,300 laboratories to assemble its current collection of 20,000 plasmids, and continues to solicit new deposits.  Plasmids have been distributed to over 60 different countries and over 5,000 plasmids are shipped each month. By authenticating, storing, archiving and distributing plasmids and their associated data, Addgene is creating a lasting resource for research and discovery scientists around the world.  

For more information, visit: http://www.addgene.org/