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Promise of Research Solid in Baylor's Future
William T. Butler, M.D. Baylor College of Medicine began its research enterprise within a few years of establishing itself in Houston in 1943, and it has flourished ever since. The recent symposium honoring the winners of the Michael E. DeBakey Excellence in Research Awards underscores the importance of research and the depth and breadth of the work undertaken here. Every day, in laboratories across the campus, BCM scientists are tackling problems at all levels—basic, translational and clinical. In the basic laboratories, scientists seek to understand how cells operate, what governs the replications of their DNA and how missteps in translation of those genetic messages can lead to disease. They want to understand what happens at the synapse in nerve cells and how the brain stores memories. They answer many of these questions in bacteria, social amoeba, flies and mice, but the ultimate application of their knowledge will be in humans. Basic researchers collaborate with clinical scientists to test new therapies in people. The results of those careful and appropriately approved tests often result in going back to the lab for more work. This constant crosstalk between the two kinds of researchers gives us the best medium for using our basic knowledge to cure human disease. Clinical researchers take it a step farther, testing new drugs, devices and treatments in large groups of people, seeking to find the one that provides better therapy or even a cure for a host of diseases and ultimately providing community physicians knowledge of the newest treatments. Research is a large enterprise, and many of the articles in this issue of Solutions spotlight ongoing work at Baylor College of Medicine. Our researchers win awards, both institutional and from organizations around the world. The director of the National Institutes of Health recently recognized two BCM scientists for creativity and innovation. Dr. Susan Rosenberg received the NIH Director's Pioneer Award and Dr. Brendan Lee, the NIH Director's Transformative R01 award. Funding for BCM research continues to grow. Based on what we have received to date, our FY 2009 awards total $294 million. We anticipate that funding will reach $343 million in FY 2010, an increase of 16 percent. Even if we subtract the $34 million in the stimulus funding we anticipate receiving, the increase is still 5 percent in FY 2010. These figures represent not only the NIH recognition of BCM researchers, but bodes well for our researchers, students and physicians—and most importantly, our patients and community. William T. Butler, M.D. |
FeaturesGiving Elephants a Fighting Chance Facilitating a Vision for Research Integrating Care Around the Patient Baylor Flu Fighters Take On the Wily "Novel H1N1" (Swine) Flu Virus NewsNew Board Chair has High Hopes for BCM Lynch: A Physician-Teacher with a Humanitarian Twist SpotlightDr. Sean McGuire: Translating Early Lessons into Tomorrow's Treatment Simulated Patient Program Important Part of Medical Training Adding Value to Medical School Training Catalyzing Innovative Research is Mantra for BCM Diabetes Center A Coordinated Effort to Improve Health Care BriefsBCM Researchers Top Texas List of Stimulus Funds Recipients Wang Recognized for Contributions to Genetic Research Dr. Brendan Lee Receives Director's Transformative R01 'Pioneer' Studies Bacteria to Understand Cancer Dr. Mark Kline Selected Chair of Pediatrics Herding DNA to a New Understanding of Cows Development/AlumniBaylor Alumni Help Ease the Financial Burdens of Current Students Development BriefsAlkek Eye Center Celebrates 20th Year Partnership Gala To Fund DeBakey Heart Center® of Baylor College of Medicine Breast Center Advisory Council Funds Imaging Fellow Bra Art Displayed as Fundraiser Promise of Research Solid in Baylor's Future
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Volume 5, Issue 1, Winter 2009 |
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| Last modified: December 3, 2009 |