NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Several new grants from the National Center for Research Resources will provide tens of millions of support for resources and programs at various research institutions throughout the country, including funding for genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and educational development.
The $152 million in total grant money will especially provide funding for programs in states that have historically been less likely to receive federal funding.
The Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) grants will fund 'omics and informatics programs in Maine, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Rhode Island.
The INBRE networks "promote the development and sharing of resources and expertise at institutions in underserved states," NCRR Director Barbara Alving said in a statement.
"This funding will enable the continued expansion of biomedical research and training that will lead to insights on health issues central to their needs," Alving added.
Research institutions that will use the funds for 'omics-related resources include:
• Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, in Salisbury Cove, Me., which will use $18.4 million to fund a comparative functional genomics center;
• The University of Louisville, which will use $15.2 million for the Kentucky IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence;
• The University of North Dakota will use $15.9 million for the INBRE: Health and Environment program at Grand Forks;
• The University of South Dakota's Sanford School of Medicine, in Vermillion, will use some of a $16.1 million grant to support the South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network;
• The University of Rhode Island, $17.3 million for the RI Network for Excellence in Biomedical and Behavioral Research.