URI_Research_Magazine_2009-2010_Melissa-McCarthy

Enhancing Economic Development in Rhode Island

URI Enhances Statewide Biomedical Research and Training Network

In May 2009, the University of Rhode Island was awarded one of the largest research grants in its history – a five-year, $18 million grant called RI-INBRE. The project is entitled the “Rhode Island Network for Excellence in Biomedical and Behavioral Research” and is funded under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Program. Add to this big grant another $1.3 million award in 2009 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $16 million IDeA Network grant from NIH in 2004, and an $8 million IDeA grant in 2001, and you could say the University of Rhode Island’s biomedical research and training program is doing big things in the Ocean State. The research opportunities and educational resources made possible by the RI-INBRE Program have positioned Rhode Island to be a leader in biomedical education and research. According to the University of Rhode Island President, David M. Dooley, “Awards like the RI-INBRE are especially important because they build institutional capacity in both facilities and core personnel. These become the foundation for building a stronger and larger research enterprise at URI. The work of our

faculty and staff who made this award possible will make a substantial contribution to the University for years to come.” The program has resulted in serious work enhancement in Rhode Island’s overall biomedical research capacity. In fact, RI-INBRE participants are preparing and educating the state’s next generation of scientists for high- wage jobs, enhancing statewide economic development in the biomedical and biotechnology industries, and significantly increasing education, research and ultimately employment opportunities in the state. It is all being led by URI Pharmacology and Toxicology Professor Zahir Shaikh, who is also Director of the Center for Molecular Toxicology in the URI College of Pharmacy, Principal Investigator of the grant, and Program Director since the inception of the program. RI-INBRE is leading unprecedented statewide cooperation and collaboration through a research network consisting of Brown University, Rhode Island College, Providence College, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University in three research areas – molecular toxicology, cell biology, and behavioral science. The program also reaches out to the Community

“RI-INBRE participants are preparing and educating the state’s next generation of scientists for high-wage jobs, enhancing statewide economic development in the biomedical and biotechnology industries.”

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