Last modified: Tuesday, March 4, 2003
IU to receive federal funds for life sciences, economic development
Indiana University has been notified that it will receive nearly $7 million in legislatively directed federal funds in fiscal 2003 for projects that focus primarily on economic development and the life sciences.
Seven different IU projects have received funding that totals $6.905 million. Projects include completing the Criminal Imaging Response Center at the Institute for Forensic Imaging on the IUPUI campus and aiding the development of the university's Emerging Technologies Center, which is part of the Life Sciences Research Park in Indianapolis. The life sciences funding previously was announced by U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh.
"These projects are good examples of the ways that IU partners with business, government and other entities throughout the state to make a difference," said IU Interim President Gerald Bepko.
"We identify projects that are consistent with the mission of Indiana University and work with our congressional delegation in Washington," said John Walda, IU's director of federal relations. "This is the largest amount that has been allocated to the university in the past several years, and the funds will be put to good use. Our federal delegation has been extremely supportive, and we are very grateful to them."
The omnibus appropriations bill approved by Congress on Feb. 13 was the final step in the funding process. The bill was signed into law by President Bush on Feb. 20. The fiscal 2003 projects and funding amounts are:
- Life Sciences Initiative, $2.25 million. The university sought the funds to finance an incubator facility for start-up biotechnology companies. The request was supported by the City of Indianapolis and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership to further develop the Emerging Technologies Center. This is part of the proposed Life Sciences Research Park, which could generate thousands of jobs throughout Indianapolis and the state as it is developed.
- Knowledge Projection, $1.5 million. This is a collaborative effort with NSWC Crane to develop technologies to improve the use of systems knowledge to efficiently provide a more cost-effective approach for maintenance operations on Navy vessels.
- Center on Congress, $1.05 million. These funds will be used to produce a documentary and various publications about the history, workings and purpose of Congress.
- Bone Cancer Center, $1 million. This grant will be used to establish a center through the IU School of Medicine for research on bone cancer.
- Forensics Imaging Center, $500,000. The university sought the funds to complete the Criminal Imaging Response Center at the Institute for Forensic Imaging on the IUPUI campus. The institute will provide specialized assistance to help law enforcement agencies and school districts develop, integrate and deploy imaging technology systems.
- Riley Children's Hospital, $405,000, for infrastructure and equipment needs.
- Project TEAM, $200,000. This initiative encourages minority students to enroll in teacher education. Funds will be utilized to provide scholarships for undergraduates in elementary and secondary education, technology training for teachers and summer camp for minority middle school students.
