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Today Tulane University held the third annual Health Sciences Center Research Recognition Event to recognize the success of health sciences researchers who attracted more than $110 million in awards for research in 2005, the largest amount of external research funding in its history. Medical and public health research not only leads to new treatments and approaches to prevention - it also strengthens the economy of New Orleans, especially in the post-Katrina environment.
"We have an excellent group of nationally competitive researchers, with particular strengths in areas such as infectious diseases, biosafety, cardiovascular-renal diseases, cancer, pulmonary disease and regenerative medicine," says Paul Whelton, senior vice president for health sciences and dean of the Tulane University School of Medicine. Whelton estimates that every $1 million in health sciences research funding attracted to the city and state results in more than 30 well-paying jobs. Now, more than ever, these jobs are critical to the economic future of New Orleans and Louisiana.
"Those honored, those who preceded them and those currently rising to the top, have all built an excellent foundation for research at Tulane," says Laura Levy, associate senior vice president for research. "Despite some challenges in New Orleans today, we are committed to excelling more than ever, not only for the reputation of the academic institution, but equally important for the future of the city."
Researchers were recognized in three categories. "Distinction in Research Awards" were given to 12 principal investigators who have the highest total research funding for 2005. The "Leadership in Research Awards" were given to 10 principal investigators whose research has garnered the highest total in newly awarded projects. The third category, "Promise in Research Awards" recognizes 10 researchers who have received their first peer-reviewed grant of $50,000 or greater during 2005.
An additional fourth award was given to a principal investigator who has shown leadership in advancing competitive intercampus collaborative research.
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