Topp Will Head Institute for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing at Purdue

Elizabeth Topp, a professor in the Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering at Purdue University, will become the inaugural director of the William D. and Sherry L. Young Advanced Manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals Institute in August.

Topp, widely recognized as an accomplished researcher, innovator, and educator in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, brings a wealth of research, teaching, and leadership experience to this new role.

The Young Institute was established in June 2022 through a generous donation from Purdue alumnus William D. Young, a pioneer in pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing, and his wife, Sherry L. Young. The institute’s mission is to reduce costs and expand access to innovative drugs emerging from biotechnology research.

“We are thrilled that Liz will take the helm,” said Dan DeLaurentis, vice president of Discovery Park District Institutes and Centers. “Her extensive pharmaceutical research insights and leadership skills will be valuable in  drawing together expertise from across colleges and partners to drive innovation and affordable access to high-tech medicines around the country and the world.”

Topp’s research focuses on the chemical and physical stability of protein drugs and other biologics, with an emphasis on chemical degradation reactions in the amorphous solid state. She has brought important therapeutics toward clinical use, and her work has been distinguished for both its research advancements and translational success.

Topp previously served as chief scientific officer of the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Dublin, Ireland. NIBRT is an internationally recognized R&D and education organization focused on driving the growth of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Ireland. As part of Purdue’s ongoing partnership with NIBRT, Topp will continue to hold a joint research appointment with NIBRT.

“Working with faculty already involved in the Young Institute, I look forward to extending Purdue’s exceptional reputation in chemistry, engineering, science, and pharmaceutical R&D and training,” Topp said. “I am grateful to professors and co-directors Alina Alexeenko, Eric Munson and Garth Simpson for the outstanding progress the institute has made since its launch in 2022.”

The institute leverages the collective and individual expertise of more than 30 founding faculty to create innovative business models that attract large-scale funding with the capacity to facilitate advanced research and foster workforce development. The Young Institute has also developed an undergraduate certificate in pharmaceutical manufacturing that will be available to Purdue students starting in the fall semester of 2023.