CARLSBAD, Calif.–Life Technologies (NASDAQ:LIFE – News), a provider of innovative life science solutions, announced today that it donated more than $500,000 in funding to a dozen programs through its Life Technologies™ Foundation (formerly the Invitrogen Foundation) in 2008.

In 2008, the Life Technologies™ Foundation was created to support science education and advance society’s understanding of the importance of scientific endeavors. This year, the Foundation will support educational initiatives or innovative scientific programs focused on one of three specific areas: the use of genomics to advance the field of personalized medicine; scientific developments in regenerative medicine; and the application of biology to areas outside of basic research, such as human identity testing or food and water safety.

“Life science research gives rise every day to numerous discoveries that make our lives better,” said Life Technologies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg Lucier. “Life Technologies and its Foundation are committed to advancing that research and to educating the next generation of scientists that will carry on this crucial work. We supported many worthy programs in 2008 and this year, we look forward to sponsoring other projects that further society’s understanding of the genomics revolution and its tremendous benefit in all areas of science and medicine.”

One of the programs supported by the Foundation in 2008 was a project by Sally Ride Science to publish a book on biotechnology and related careers for 6th to 8th grade students. The book will teach standards-based science content and build on literacy skills.

“Corporate partnerships with organizations like Life Technologies are cornerstones of the success of Sally Ride Science to create innovative science programs,” said Wes Brumitt, Vice President, Business Development, Sally Ride Science. “This partnership will enable Sally Ride Science to produce an unparalleled publication for girls focused on careers in life science and biotechnology.”

Another Foundation-sponsored project focused on teaching students at San Diego’s High Tech High advanced skills in molecular biology and conservation science, while supporting the study, awareness and prevention of the African bushmeat trade.

“The students’ project was designed to help track and reduce the trade of African bushmeat, which not only endangers the local species, but also can lead to the spread of disease within human populations,” said Jay Vavra, Ph.D., teacher at The Gary and Jerri-Ann Jacobs High Tech High in San Diego. “It is important that the life science industry support these programs, not only to help reduce the loss of biodiversity, but to motivate students to pursue careers in science.”

Other 2008 Foundation sponsored organizations are listed below:

Hood College, Summer Science Research Institute

National Academies of Science/Biotechnology Institute

Center for Excellence in Education

National Academies of Science Press

Aquatic Adventures Science Education Foundation

UCSD Foundation, San Diego Science Festival

University of Buffalo Foundation, Inc, iSciNY Career Pathways

Zoological Society of San Diego

Medical College of Wisconsin, 2009 Women in Science Program

Red Cross-China Relief

Life Technologies believes in making a difference and in serving both science and society in its quest to be a global citizen. In addition to the work of the Foundation, the Company is involved in numerous other corporate citizenship efforts, including environmental health and safety initiatives, and community relations programs at every site. PR News recently nominated the company as a finalist for “Overall Leader in Corporate Social Responsibility Practices: Corporation with Fewer Than 25,000 Employees.” The winner will be announced at the end of February.

About Life Technologies

Life Technologies (NASDAQ:LIFE – News) is a global biotechnology tools company dedicated to improving the human condition. Our systems, consumables and services enable researchers to accelerate scientific exploration, driving to discoveries and developments that make life even better. Life Technologies customers do their work across the biological spectrum, working to advance personalized medicine, regenerative science, molecular diagnostics, agricultural and environmental research, and 21st century forensics. The company has historical sales of approximately $3.5 billion, employs 9,500 people, has a presence in more than 100 countries, and possesses a rapidly growing intellectual property estate of over 3,600 patents and exclusive licenses. Life Technologies was created by the combination of Invitrogen Corporation and Applied Biosystems Inc. For more information on how we are making a difference please visit our website www.lifetechnologies.com.