Committee Steers Life Science Efforts

To take best advantage of the recent boom in life science funding and research, the University of Kansas has formed a steering committee to guide strategic planning in life sciences. The steering committee is currently preparing a strategic plan that encourages continued research, develops biotechnological processes and products and trains researchers in the life sciences. This plan will project the necessary facilities, equipment and personnel needed for KU to pursue innovative life science research. The committee will help coordinate and build on the work currently underway on KU's Lawrence campus and at the KU Medical Center.

The steering committee members are: (Chair) Rich Givens, assistant provost and chemistry professor; Eli Michaelis, professor and chairman of pharmacology and toxicology; James Roberts, associate vice chancellor for research and public service and vice president of the KU Center for Research; Paul Kelly, professor and chairman of the department of molecular biosciences; Tom Taylor, professor and chairman of ecology and evolutionary biology; and Kathleen McCluskey-Fawcett, associate provost and interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

In the year 2000, KU's research and training funds totaled more than $190 million. According to U.S. Department of Commerce indicators, it is estimated that each $1 million invested in research and development in Kansas produces about 41 jobs in the state.

University Provost Shulenburger said, "Using that estimate, KU research alone leads to nearly 8,000 jobs. Given the impact on the Kansas economy and the value to society, the importance of developing a strategy for broadening life sciences research at KU becomes abundantly clear."