GLS Vitals Episode 11 - Building Tomorrow: Biotech, Innovation, Talent & Growth

**WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCES** In this episode of Vitals: Georgia's Life Sciences Podcast, Georgia Life Sciences President & CEO Maria Thacker Goethe sits down with Helen Tarlatin, Director of Employee & Community Engagement at UCB, to discuss one of the most significant life sciences investments in Georgia's history. Fresh off UCB's announcement of its $2 billion biologics manufacturing facility in Gwinnett County, Helen shares why Georgia emerged as the ideal location, what this investment means for patients, and how workforce development, education, and community partnerships are shaping the next generation of biotechnology manufacturing. The conversation explores how industry, education, government, and nonprofits must work together to build the skilled workforce needed to support America's growing life sciences sector. Topics include: - Why UCB selected Georgia for its first U.S. branded biologics - manufacturing facility - The strategic importance of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing - Building a sustainable life sciences workforce and talent pipeline - The role of Georgia's universities, technical colleges, and workforce partners - STEM education and inspiring future biotechnology careers - Leadership lessons on collaboration, transparency, and community engagement - Georgia's emergence as a national hub for biotechnology and advanced manufacturing - How public-private partnerships strengthen economic development and innovation Whether you're a biotechnology executive, entrepreneur, educator, student, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of healthcare innovation, this episode offers valuable insights into the investments and partnerships transforming Georgia into one of America's leading life sciences ecosystems. **About Georgia Life Sciences** As the leading advocate for the state’s dynamic and diverse life sciences sector, Georgia Life Sciences’ mission is to advance the growth of Georgia’s life sciences industry through partnerships and initiatives that accelerate innovation, investment, and job creation. To accomplish this mission, Georgia Life Sciences conducts economic development activities; advocates on behalf of its members on public policy matters; educates the public about the benefits of life sciences research and product development; and provides a network for idea exchange and cooperation. For more information on the impactful work, to join as a member, or provide support to the mission, please visit Georgia Life Sciences at https://www.galifesciences.org/ **About Cloudcast Media** As the national leader in local podcasting to create a "listen where you live" mindset, Cloudcast Atlanta, a division of Cloudcast Media, proudly produces "VITALS: The Pulse of Georgia Life Sciences" through its CauseCast platform to help amplify, augment, and accelerate the mission and reach of community social impact organizations.  For more information on Cloudcast Media, please visit their website at CloudCast Media. This episode was produced by Senior Associate Producer Brandon Joe. The episode was recorded, engineered, mixed and mastered by Sky Guides Atlanta, the podcast program and studio affiliated with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) in Atlanta, Georgia.