SEATTLE, Feb. 15, 2010 – As Seattle Biomedical Research Institute looks to a new decade filled with advances in global infectious disease research, the organization is also putting a close to a year spent reflecting on its name, brand and presence in Seattle's global health community. That reflection led the Institute to take on a new, shortened nickname and refreshed brand, which is publically launching Feb. 15, 2010.

Over the past year, Institute scientists, staff and supporters searched for a name that is more memorable than the commonly used acronym "SBRI", yet is still appropriate and meaningful. After several months of work, including asking dozens of people for their opinion, Institute leaders decided to keep the organization's full name and replace “SBRI” with “Seattle BioMed.” While SBRI is now Seattle BioMed, we are the same organization, focusing on breakthrough research that will result in new discoveries to save lives.

Because this city is now a global health powerhouse, people advised the Institute to celebrate and claim its role as both a pioneer and leader.  Our visionary president Ken Stuart founded the organization in 1976 before any others arrived on the global health scene in Seattle. So, “Seattle BioMed” was born as an easier way for the local and global community to remember what we do and who we are - a local leader in biomedical research whose discoveries will help save millions of lives worldwide.

Seattle BioMed has also adopted a new tagline – Freedom from Infectious Disease – to go with the shortened name and an updated logo. A new Web site featuring the new logo and brand style is now at www.seattlebiomed.org.

ABOUT SEATTLE BIOMED:
Seattle Biomedical Research Institute is the largest independent, non-profit organization in the U.S. focused solely on infectious disease research. Our research is the foundation for new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that benefit those who need our help most: the 14 million who will otherwise die each year from infectious diseases, including malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Founded in 1976, Seattle BioMed has nearly 350 staff members. By partnering with key collaborators around the globe, we ensure that our discoveries will save lives sooner. For more information, visit www.seattlebiomed.org.

For more information, contact:
Lee Schoentrup, Communications Director
206.256.7440
lee.schoentrup@seattlebiomed.org

Jennifer Mortensen, Communications Specialist
206.256.7220
jennifer.mortensen@seattlebiomed.org