The University of Rhode Island has received a $6 million federal grant from the National Institutes of Health that will allow researchers to collaborate and advance biomedical research locally through a network of six colleges and universities.
The network established by the NIH’s Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network grant program consists of thirty-seven faculty members from URI, Rhode Island College, the Brown Medical School, Roger Williams University, Bryant College and Providence College. Senior faculty from URI and Brown will serve as mentors for junior faculty focusing on various biomedical research topics. Including staff and students, the total number of individuals involved in the network may reach 100.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
Learn More
According to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, there are 99 biotechnology and biomedical firms in the state, employing more than 3,400 workers.
“At a time when the state’s economy is challenged, this investment in building scientific infrastructure is very welcome,” URI Presdient Robert L. Carothers said. “We’re very proud of the faculty at URI and around the state for their leadership.”
W. Fred Taylor, director of the Institutional Development Award Program at NIH said that these network grants are tailored to the specific needs of each state.
“One of the main goals of the program is to provide paths to research careers in the biomedical sciences,” Taylor said. “Many students don’t have an understanding of the career options in biomedical sciences.”
The grant will also establish a central research instrumentation facility at URI that will be open to those within and outside the grant network and will serve as a resource for the state to further biomedical research. Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art equipment under the supervision of trained operators. The new facility will be housed in Fogarty Hall, the home of the College of Pharmacy. Research laboratories at Brown University will also be available to researchers.
