CONTACT: Frank D. Martinez, (505) 277-1811

Jan. 27, 2003 SEARCH TO IDENTIFY NEW CEO FOR UNM SCIENCE AND TECH CORP. Dr. Peter J. Perna, president and chief-executive-officer of the Science and Technology Corp. @ the University of New Mexico (STC), today announced he will step down from that position at the end of April. A search is underway to identify his successor. STC is a nonprofit corporation formed by and owned entirely by UNM to protect and transfer its faculty inventions to the commercial marketplace. STC licenses innovative technology developed at UNM, including optics, microfluidics, and high performance materials as well as therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and drug discovery tools. Perna, who was named to the position in October, 2000, said his decision is based on his interest in starting up new ventures. "Although STC continues to be interested in forming new ventures around UNM technology, its primary focus is licensing. Leaving STC gives me the opportunity to pursue my interest in new ventures on a full-time basis," he said. "STC has a great team in place, is on the right course and poised for success. Now it's time for me to move on to do the things for which I have the most passion." Perna said he will continue to serve in his present capacity until the end of April. Dr. Edward W. Cantrall, chairman of the STC Board of Directors, said a five-member search committee has already begun efforts to identify Perna' s successor. In addition to himself, Cantrall said search committee members include STC board members, Dr. Waneta C. Tuttle, Dr. William E. Schuler, Dr. Philip Eaton and Dr. Joseph L. Cecchi. "I think Peter has done an extraordinary job of reforming the STC, focusing on outlicensing opportunities as well as new start-ups," Cantrall said. "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Peter for his fine leadership and wish him well in whatever endeavor he decides to pursue." # # #

The University of New Mexico
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