Johns Hopkins & State of MD Tarlov Cyst Research & Education Press Releases
Thursday, September 10th, 2015
Six new research professorships have been endowed with $14.9 million in private donations and state funding, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) announced Wednesday. The state funds were committed through the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative, which matches private donations to universities for basic and applied research in scientific and technical fields.
The University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Baltimore; and Johns Hopkins University each received $2.1 million through the program to be split among a pair of new professorships at each school.
“The discoveries made and students trained at Maryland universities are among the greatest advantages we have as a state. These endowments will further strengthen our higher education institutions and pave the way for bold new research and innovation,” DBED Secretary Mike Gill said. “We are proud to be partners in this endeavor with the world-renowned universities we have here in our State.”
Johns Hopkins University
Reta Honey Hiers Professorship for Tarlov Cyst Disease from private donations and MEI match from the State of Maryland.
The professorship will focus on the development of an integrated Maryland Tarlov Cyst Initiative. It will advance research and clinical care relevant in the study and management of Tarlov Cyst Disease, allowing the creation of a multidisciplinary center of excellence.
“At a time when our scientists and researchers face a challenging funding landscape, we thank our state leaders for their vital support and their recognition that research universities are where bold discovery and innovation happens,” University President Ronald J. Daniels said. “This initiative is a wonderful example of the possibilities ignited through public and private partnership.
Added Provost Robert C. Lieberman: “These professorships are an excellent example of the ways in which Johns Hopkins connects the laboratory and the classroom to real-world issues affecting individuals, communities, and society as a whole. These awards are an investment not only in our scholars but also in improving the lives of people across Maryland, and the world.”
MEI was created by the General Assembly in the 2014 legislative session and was appropriated $8.5 million in FY2016. MEI dollars can be used to pay salaries of newly endowed department chairs, staff, and support personnel in designated scientific and technical fields of study; fund related research fellowships for graduate and undergraduate students; and purchase lab equipment and other basic infrastructure and equipment. Individual institutions cannot claim more than a quarter of available MEI funds, unless the program’s allotment is not fully allocated.