History

In 2005, Memphis Tomorrow and the Campbell Foundation made the landmark decision to position Memphis as a center for excellence in orthopaedic research. Already in place were strong industry, clinical, and academic components, as well as the infrastructure development by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation. The opportunity was to create a nexus at which these entities could meet to quicken the path which musculoskeletal discoveries take to becoming clinical applications, “translating ideas into treatment.”

Leading the effort is InMotion President & Executive Director Richard Tarr, the retired Vice President of Worldwide Research and Emerging Technologies at DePuy Orthopaedics, A Johnson & Johnson Company. To complete the leadership structure at InMotion, President Tarr recruited and established the InMotion Board of Directors, administrative & research staff, and InMotion's Scientific Advisory and Executive Advisory Committees.

In 2006, InMotion achieved incorporated status in the State of Tennessee and received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status. Another InMotion success is its well regarded Quarterly Musculoskeletal Lecture Series, which features world-renown clinician scientists and other orthopaedic researchers. Also in 2006, InMotion received $3.6 million funding from the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc. and the Plough Foundation. The funds helped InMotion create InMotion’s initial laboratory as well as recruit its core research staff. InMotion has since raised an additional $4.4M to fund its research enterprises.

In January of 2007, InMotion moved into its first 6,000 square feet of laboratory and office space located at 20 S. Dudley in Memphis Medical Center. InMotion houses specialties in biologics, biomechanics, and clinical research. As well, InMotion has recruited a staff of 18 science professionals, including four PhDs, an MD, and an MD-PhD, as well as two clinical research nurses. In addition, InMotion works with a variety of MD and PhD partners via relationships with academic and clinical entities.

In projected 2009, InMotion will transfer its operations into the to be completed UT-Baptist Research Park. The park, upon completion, will feature 1.2 million square feet of lab research, education, and business development space on ten acres in the middle of the Memphis Medical District. The Research Park will also include five state-of-the-art laboratory and office buildings, a regional bio-containment laboratory, and an incubation program to develop new business in biotechnology and foster the creation of new jobs.

Important Dates