Taconic Biosciences Launches SAFE Program to Protect Research Investments and Support Academic Researchers

Rensselaer, NY, June 12, 2025 - Today, in response to growing pressures on academic and non-profit research institutions, Taconic Biosciences announced the launch of the Securing Academic Future Endeavors (SAFE) Program—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to protect research investments and support academic, nonprofit, and government researchers facing unforeseen challenges. 

As funding tightens and NIH budgets shrink, institutions are being forced to make difficult decisions—reducing staff, scaling back vivarium operations, and discontinuing valuable research programs. When critical colonies are lost or left unmanaged, years of progress can vanish overnight. But for many researchers, there's no backup plan.   

Taconic’s SAFE Program helps academic, nonprofit, and government researchers safeguard their work through cryopreservation, outsourced colony management, and ready-to-use model cohorts. Offering a structured safety net, SAFE helps researchers navigate both short and long-term challenges so that even in times of uncertainty, critical assets are protected and research is kept on track.   

“Whether caused by natural disasters, funding delays, logistical bottlenecks, or personnel transitions, breaks in research continuity can risk years of hard work. Our mission is to ensure that scientific progress isn’t lost due to these unexpected disruptions,” said Mike Garrett, CEO of Taconic Biosciences. “For institutions navigating both short-term setbacks and long-term planning challenges, we’re here with the services, models, and expert support researchers need to safeguard their work and keep discovery moving forward.”  

Continuity During Crisis and Calm 

With Taconic’s cryopreservation and rapid model recovery services, researchers can proactively secure valuable colonies or quickly bounce back from interruptions. These solutions reduce the risk of model loss and ensure teams are ready to resume work when conditions stabilize or new funding is awarded.  

Operational Flexibility, Budget Efficiency 

Taconic’s specialists work with academic and government teams to optimize breeding plans, conserve resources, and minimize unnecessary breeding and waste—making day-to-day operations more efficient and resilient to change.  

Accelerated Access to Critical Samples 

Institutions can also obtain tissue and fluid samples directly from Taconic’s live models, eliminating delays in cohort development and easing pressure on limited lab resources. Should you need to reduce the size of your vivarium, Taconic can rapidly accept your models and send back biospecimens or store them until you are ready to receive them.  

Reliable Support When It Matters Most 

While the SAFE Program includes up to 35% savings on select services and strains, its true value lies in Taconic’s long-standing commitment to ensuring researchers can continue their work—regardless of what challenges arise.  

To explore how the SAFE Program can support your research or to connect with a Taconic expert, visit https://www.taconic.com/safe.