Clifton Community Partnership

Behind the Door article:
Behind the Door: Yerkes National Primate Research Center Advancing Science and Improving Health for More Than 75 Years
September 25, 2008
Source: Community Partnership Update/October 2008

Nestled in a 25-acre forested site just off Clifton Road on Emory's main campus sits a research center making revolutionary advances in our understanding of nonhuman primates -- as well as people.

Through state-of-the-art lab and imaging facilities at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, researchers and scientists continue to advance the understanding of primate biology, behavior, veterinary care and conservation.

"The groundbreaking discoveries made at Yerkes would not be possible without the knowledge and conviction of our researchers and staff who are as dedicated to scientific discovery as they are to the highest quality animal care and enrichment," said Stuart Zola, PhD, Yerkes director. "Our research is grounded in scientific integrity, expert knowledge, respect for colleagues, an open exchange of ideas and compassionate, quality animal care," he continued.

The center houses nearly 3,400 nonhuman primates and more than 7,000 rodents between two locations at its main center on Emory's Atlanta campus and its field station in Lawrenceville.

For nearly eight decades, Yerkes has been dedicated to improving human health and well-being. Today, the center is one of only eight National Institutes of Health-funded national primate research centers. In this select role, the center provides leadership, training and resources to foster scientific creativity, collaboration and discoveries.

One of the Center's primary goals, working with the Emory Vaccine Center, is to develop an AIDS vaccine to combat the global epidemic affecting more than 42 million people worldwide. The HIV/AIDS vaccine developed by Yerkes researchers is showing great promise and currently is in its second clinical trial in human volunteers.

Other signature research programs at Yerkes are seeking to:
• develop vaccines for noninfectious as well as infectious diseases;
• interpret brain activity through imaging;
• increase understanding of progressive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s;
• unlock the secrets of memory;
• determine the behavioral effects of hormone replacement therapy;
• address vision disorders; and
• advance knowledge about evolutionary links between biology and behavior.

"We are conducting this research because it is essential to answer fundamental questions that can lead to preventions, better treatment and cures," said Zola.

Research started at Yerkes provides a vital connection to further scientific discovery that is improving the health of our nation and the world.

For more information about Yerkes, visit www.yerkes.emory.edu.