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K-INBRE logoK-INBRE Welcome Letter

Building on the success of the K-BRIN, the K-INBRE continues to develop effective multidisciplinary teams that someday will discover some of the secrets of human health.

To develop life sciences researchers in Kansas, the K-INBRE supports these initiatives:

  • inspire outstanding undergraduates to pursue careers in biomedical research,
  • enhance research capacity through faculty development and retention, and
  • expand the biomedical research infrastructure among participating universities.  

We’re delighted to report talented students throughout Kansas are taking the first steps toward becoming the researchers of tomorrow through the K-INBRE-sponsored Summer Scholars Program. Under the guidance of faculty members and staff, students develop research projects that allow them to learn “hands-on” applications of putting the scientific method into practice.

The Summer Scholars program is just one successful initiative of the K-BRIN/K-INBRE grant, which has brought more than $25 million to the state of Kansas since the program began in 2001. Because many undergraduate campuses have limited external grant support, funds from the K-INBRE provide valuable assistance to students and their mentors. One of the successful outcomes of the K-INBRE-sponsored programs has been the number of students pursuing advanced degrees in biomedical-related fields of study. At Kansas State University, for example, the number of KSU biology majors pursuing advanced degrees in biomedical research has reached 33 percent, outpacing the national average of 11 percent of biology majors pursuing research as a career.

To retain outstanding faculty, the K-INBRE also supports the Faculty Scholars Program, which awards $10,000 to faculty members who demonstrate excellence in research, teaching and service to the state’s universities. Research administrations at KUMC, KU-Lawrence, and K-State match that award with another $10,000 so faculty members have $20,000 to invest in academic initiatives. Externally reviewed pilot and bridging grant awards are a popular aspect of the K-INBRE.

Another benefit of the K-INBRE funding is the opportunity to create and expand bioinformatics capacity, a first for the state. Linked through an interactive network, researchers now can analyze massive amounts of information, a powerful tool to help interpret data from the human genome project. This collaboration among both students and faculty fosters scientific discovery in ways never possible before such funding.

Clearly, more people searching for the answers that have eluded scientists for decades quickens the pace of discovery. To that end, funds from the K-INBRE attract many talented investigators who will find the cures of tomorrow.

 

Best regards,

Joan S. Hunt, PhD, DSc
University Distinguished Professor
Vice Chancellor for Biomedical Research Infrastructure
Principal Investigator and Director, Kansas INBRE

Peter G. Smith, PhD
Professor
Associate Director, Kansas INBRE

Heiata Chapman
Assistant Director

Janette Lyon
Administrative Assistant





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