This week, the University of Kansas Cancer Center received a number of significant awards from the Kansas Bioscience Authority, moving us closer to obtaining National Cancer Institute designation.
The KBA approved $26.4 million to renovate the Wahl-Hixon Research Complex on our campus, $250,000 for research to develop drug candidates that target the cells that start tumors and support tumor growth, $500,000 for an automated compound management system to facilitate national cancer research collaboration, and $5 million for the Kansas Bioscience Innovation Center in Drug Delivery. Read more.
Given our nationally ranked pharmacy school in Lawrence, I’m pleased that the state is using our delivery and development expertise, which is led by Scott Weir, PhD, PharmD, director of the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation, to significantly expand cancer drug development research as the University pursues NCI designation.
This funding from the KBA allows us to continue the momentum of our cancer program, even with the state's economic situation. I believe this funding reflects our national reputation in cancer research and drug discovery, and the KBA believes we will use this money effectively to benefit the health of Kansans.
The KBA board members understand that when they invest money at KUMC, the state receives a great return on its investment. We will be able to create more jobs and produce inventions, patents, and start-up companies, which will spur major economic growth.
I know I speak for everyone when I say how thankful we are to the KBA and its board members for its commitment to helping us fight cancer.
Peter Smith, PhD, director of the Institute for Neurological Disorders (IND), announces the launching of the IND at KUMC. The new Institute will advance the understanding of neurological diseases and lead to the development of new treatments, drugs and technologies. Read more.
Research
As details and guidelines for funding opportunities from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 begin to emerge, the KUMC Research Institute is closely tracking how this can benefit the University. Read more from the KUMC Research Institute.
In order to further discuss the stimulus bill, the KUMC Research Institute is inviting all faculty and administrative staff to a town hall meeting from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, March 13 in the Wahl Hall West Auditorium, and in the Wichita Room for the SOM-Wichita.
Phoebe Williams, RN, PhD, FAAN, professor in the SON, received a ceremonial check on March 5 for her $100,000 grant from Alex's Lemonade Stand. Read more.
Other Items of Interest
Richard Lariviere, PhD, provost at KU-Lawrence, has accepted the position of president of the University of Oregon. While we are sad to see him go, I congratulate him on this new position. Joseph Steinmetz, PhD, the dean of KU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will serve as interim provost.
Christopher Moeller, MD, a clinical assistant professor in Internal Medicine, will present the next Live and Learn lecture on spotting skin cancer. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 14 in the Sunflower Room at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita.
Education
Marc Asher, MD, has been named a professor emeritus. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Dr. Asher.
Community
The University of Kansas Medical Center, the University of Kansas Hospital, and the University of Kansas Physicians are teaming up with the Wyandotte County Chapter of the American Red Cross to collect new and gently used scrubs for local victims of fires and natural disasters. The deadline for donating scrubs is March 31. Read more and see drop-off locations.
Kudos
Congratulations to Jared Grantham, MD, University Distinguished professor, who received the Jean Hamburger award from the International Society of Nephrology. The award recognizes outstanding research in nephrology with a clinical emphasis.