Lincoln (Neb.) - Oct. 19, 2001 - The University of Nebraska board of regents today approved establishment of the Nebraska Center for Virology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The center, established with a $10.7 million competitive grant to UNL from the National Institutes of Health, links virology researchers at UNL, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University.
"The Nebraska Center for Virology brings together our world-class virology researchers and is an example of how collaboration among universities can lead to great accomplishment," said Prem Paul, UNL vice chancellor for research. "We are very excited about the potential of the center for improving human health and the treatment of viral diseases."
Center researchers conduct basic research on the ways viruses and other infectious agents cause disease, and use this knowledge to develop new ways to treat and prevent the spread of disease. They study some of the most devastating human and animal diseases, including AIDS, HIV-associated cancers, and chronic infections caused by herpes viruses and prions, the organism that causes mad cow disease. The center's studies of how viruses replicate and cause infection and cell death also will lead to a better understanding of human neuroimmune disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, and have broad implications for other research areas.
The center is directed by Charles Wood, Lehr/3M professor of biological sciences at UNL and a prominent molecular virologist whose work on the transmission of HIV and related diseases in Africa is at the forefront of international virology research. Wood's collaborative research programs involve scientists at UNL, UNMC, Harvard University, the University of Miami, the University of Zambia and the Zambian Ministry of Health.
"We are pleased that the Board of Regents has recognized the Nebraska Center for Virology and the importance of our research on viral diseases," Wood said. "The Center is a team effort and we have a strong commitment to building a nationally prominent biomedical research program in Nebraska. Together we can make great progress in research related to human health."
Co-directors of the center are Dr. Howard Gendelman, David Purtilo distinguished professor at UNMC and director of UNMC's Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders, and James VanEtten, William Allington distinguished professor of virology at UNL.
"The Nebraska Center for Virology is a major advance in developing collaborative research programs between UNL and UNMC," said Thomas Rosenquist, UNMC interim vice chancellor for research.
The center is funded largely by external grants. Its initial $10.7 million NIH award supports four major research projects and key technical facilities needed by the center's researchers, recruitment of new scientists and students, and its administrative offices at UNL. The grant also funded initial salary and start-up costs for five new researchers, four at UNL and one at UNMC - a critical component in building the center.
"These new researchers will create the critical mass of expertise that
is needed to take the center, and Nebraska, to the forefront of virology
research," Wood said.
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