Golden State Today

George Baxter, with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, has transitioned from the lab to a broader role that encompasses innovation and entrepreneurship at UC Davis. Baxter's new position as chief innovation and economic development officer involves expanding the university's traditional roles of teaching and research.

"To me it has always been about the doing, the impact," Baxter said. "I've enjoyed science my whole life and obviously there is the fantastic intellectual stimulation of discovering new things. But what I've found really interests me is taking that discovery, putting it into the world and seeing it make a difference in people's lives."

Baxter joined UC Davis in April 2024. His past roles include professor of research and enterprise at the University of Salford in Manchester, director of science and innovation for an economic development agency in northwest England, director of research and enterprise at the University of Nottingham, and CEO of Edinburgh Innovations Ltd., a subsidiary of the University of Edinburgh.

His primary focus at UC Davis is Aggie Square, an innovation district on the Sacramento campus nearing its grand opening on May 2. This hub aims to enhance UC Davis' role in regional economic growth by providing space for life sciences, agricultural technology, and other innovative enterprises.

"When he first saw the Aggie Square site," Baxter noted its potential for regional economic influence and as a place for faculty, graduates, industry, and students to develop their ideas further. "Within Aggie Square there are brand-new facilities, fabulous new labs and equipment," he said.

Aggie Square recently reached a significant milestone with tenant occupancy granted earlier this month. Facilities such as UC Davis medical labs, Wexford Science and Technology’s Connect Labs, Baxter’s team offices, Veterinary Genetics Lab, and Continuing Education can now begin moving in.

Baxter highlighted successful examples where UC Davis translated research into solutions like Sage Therapeutics licensing technology to develop an FDA-approved oral treatment for postpartum depression. Additionally, funding from his team supports faculty work on various health issues including cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

He envisions Aggie Square as essential for developing a stable technology sector in Sacramento. "What Aggie Square says to me is ambition, boldness, confidence and trust," he stated.

The initiative dedicates 60% of its space to UC Davis users while allocating 40% for companies and startups. Follow updates from Dateline UC Davis on X (formerly Twitter).