Program brings together researchers from three Texas Tech University System campuses.
The first Texas Tech Presidential Collaborative Research Initiative has granted funding to 33 faculty members comprising 11 research groups from the Texas Tech University System.
Organized by Texas Tech University President M. Duane Nellis, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) President Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, TTUHSC El Paso President Dr. Richard Lange, and Texas Tech University System Chancellor Robert Duncan, the program was designed to facilitate the development of new interdisciplinary investigative programs that would enhance close interactions among faculty with different types of research expertise and lead to new extra-mural funding.
"I appreciate Dr. Nellis, our other presidents and our vice presidents for research for how they came together on this initiative," Duncan said. "This is an outstanding response that will inspire collaborative research efforts across the system and a unique opportunity for world-class researchers to work together. It is another example of why these are such exciting times for the Texas Tech University System."
After more than 60 faculty teams submitted proposals, the chancellor and presidents decided to expand the program from four awards to 11.
"Many of the federal agencies whose grants will fund this program look for collaborative research projects that span various, often unrelated fields of study to try to solve real-world problems," Nellis said. "By bringing together the expertise of researchers from diverse backgrounds, the next major research breakthrough may be closer than we think."
"This system-wide effort underscores our dedication to provide a 'shot in the arm' to researchers in our system and drive collaboration with one another to perform cutting-edge research," Mitchell said.
The winning proposals represent a broad range of research areas from all three participating campuses. Topics include:
· New and more sensitive diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious diseases
· Developing strategies for improving muscle coordination after stroke
· Better methods for teaching speech and language
· New treatment approaches for inflammatory bowel diseases and various cancers
· Development of improved diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and depression
For a full list of winners, see here.
"I'm pleased to see our TTUHSC El Paso experts among the innovative and accomplished researchers who participated in this very competitive, inaugural Texas Tech University System-wide collaborative grants program," Lange said. "I look forward to seeing the results of these research proposals and collaborative efforts."
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