On July 27, 2009, the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) officially announced Board of Trustee approval of an updated cancer research center proposal. The project is designed to enhance the cutting-edge research performed by Dr. Jasti Rao and the Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology.
“Dr. Rao’s leadership has been instrumental in developing an exceptional team of cancer researchers,” said Dr. Sara Rusch, UICOMP’s Regional Dean. “Over the last eight years our program has received more than $22 million of funding and published nearly 100 papers in scientific journals. This action by the Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of the cancer research program to the University and to Central Illinois. The additional laboratory space will allow continued expansion of our research efforts.”
The approximately 20,000-square-foot research facility will be constructed on the College of Medicine’s downtown Peoria campus. Working collaboratively, UICOMP, the Heartland Partnership, and key stakeholders will identify additional funding and finalize the design of the new facility, with a probable groundbreaking in early 2010.
“The Heartland Partnership is pleased to be a part of such an amazing opportunity for our region,” said Jim McConoughey, CEO and President of the Heartland Partnership. “This new facility will be a benefit to the top-notch researchers and add to the top-notch resources of Central Illinois, allowing these brilliant minds to continue the remarkable cancer research that is happening right here in Peoria.”
UICOMP’s cancer research program studies the molecular, cellular, and genetic characteristics of cancers to identify how cancer growth and spread can be prevented. This information is shared with the scientific community, which uses the knowledge to generate treatments.
To view part one of the July 27th press conference, CLICK HERE
To view part two, CLICK HERE
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