Follow Science, Not Sound Bites
There was a time when people of all political stripes could agree on certain things. One of those things, until very recently, was a shared understanding that investing in science and research keeps the United States at the cutting-edge of innovation. Now, as research institutions face historic cuts, and the proven safety of even centuries-old technology like vaccines comes into question, that consensus no longer exists.
I recently sat down with one of Georgia’s foremost biotech and medtech leaders, Maria Thacker Goethe, president and CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, to get her perspective on the importance of life sciences and their growing impact on our state, drawing on her nearly two decades of experience.
What are key areas where life sciences play a vital role in Georgia’s economy?
Georgia’s life sciences sector is a vital economic driver, encompassing nearly 4,000 establishments and supporting approximately 78,000 direct jobs with an average annual wage of nearly $93,000 – well above the state’s private sector average.
“Georgia must stay at the forefront of emerging technologies.” Maria Thacker Goethe, president and CEO of Georgia Life Sciences
Life sciences also extend beyond human health. … Georgia plays a growing role in ag-biotech, animal health and industrial biotechnology, especially in sustainable materials and bio-based manufacturing.
What impact are federal cuts having on the life sciences industry?
Recent federal actions, such as canceling FDA leases and rescinding $11.4 billion in public health grants, are causing significant disruptions across the life sciences sector. [This] hampers research progress, delays clinical trials, undermines public trust in health institutions and ultimately impacts patients.
In Georgia, the repercussions are especially acute. … The erosion of federal support puts this ecosystem at risk, threatening job growth, stalling critical research and weakening our state’s innovation capacity.
How long will it take to undo the damage caused by federal cuts?
Even with immediate reinvestment, it could take years to fully restore the research ecosystem, rebuild lost institutional capacity and regain momentum on critical scientific initiatives. Continued reductions risk turning this damage from temporary to structural.
What’s often overlooked is the human cost. These aren’t just abstract funding numbers – they translate directly into fewer clinical trials, delayed medical breakthroughs and ultimately, longer waits for patients who need new treatments. Patients with cancer, rare diseases, Alzheimer’s and countless other conditions are the ones who pay the price when promising therapies stall in early-stage research or never make it out of the lab.
What are the most important investments Georgia can make to stay ahead of competing states?
Georgia must continue to invest in workforce development, expand innovation infrastructure and reestablish strategic tools like the Life Sciences Facilities Fund to support scale-up. Public-private partnerships will be essential to aligning educational pipelines with industry needs and accelerating commercialization. … Georgia must stay at the forefront of emerging technologies including cell and gene therapies, precision medicine and AI-powered diagnostics. Long-term, sustained investment in these sectors will position Georgia to lead not only in manufacturing but also in discovery and development.
What can Georgia residents do to support scientific advancement?
Getting involved with local institutions, participating in clinical trials and promoting science literacy in your community all contribute to building a more robust, innovation-driven ecosystem. There are some easy and impactful ways to plug in:
1. Georgia Life Sciences and Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) – cornerstones of our innovation infrastructure that connect university research with real-world application and commercialization.
2. Patient advocacy organizations like our partners at Advocates for Responsible Care (ARxC), who champion access, equity and patient voice in the healthcare system.
By fostering a culture that values science, supports innovation and encourages informed engagement, Georgians can help ensure the state remains a competitive, forward-looking leader in the life sciences. 
Tharon Johnson can be seen Sunday mornings on The Georgia Gang on Fox 5 Atlanta. He received a Green Eyeshade award for journalism in 2023.
