WSU’s “Pfizer Committee” has been in contact with Pfizer officials on how WSU can best interact with the company and its employees during their transition. Several ideas have taken shape.

1) There is a suggestion that WSU host an informational session in the Ann Arbor area that highlights employment opportunities at WSU. This would include positions at all levels - professional, technical, administrative and financial. It will also highlight special educational programs available at WSU as Pfizer has put some funding in place for retraining, as well as an educational allowance for laid-off employees. We ask all deans, chairs and faculty to think broadly about these possible opportunities. Pfizer has a wealth of experience in drug discovery, clinical investigation, and translational research. Possible opportunities at this point may be a “wish list” or opportunities currently available. We ask you to send Shay Izzard in the Office of the VP for Research a list of possible opportunities at WSU. (email address listed below)

2) Pfizer is interested in working with universities in regard to Core Excellence Programs. One specific suggestion relevant to WSU is nanotechnology. However, there are numerous others that would be attractive to a drug company. We ask for everyone to give this some thought in reference to your own areas of expertise and interest. Please submit your suggestions to Shay Izzard in the Office of the Vice President for Research. We will assist in preparing “white papers” that outline the strengths of your programs.

3) There have been queries about equipment that may be available as a result of the closure of the Ann Arbor labs. Pfizer intends to move as much as possible to its other locations, but anticipates that there will be some equipment available for distribution. The company is setting up a plan for this now. Please prepare another list of equipment that would enhance your research. The time frame for requests to Pfizer will probably occur in about 2 weeks. This list should be sent to Shay Izzard as well.

Ms. Izzard’s email address is ski@wayne.edu. Please send any of the above information to her via email as soon as possible. Once a date is set for the informational session in Ann Arbor, we will send out a notice with further details.

Thank you in advance for your assistance with the Pfizer transition.

Gloria Heppner, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Research
Wayne State University