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LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas and Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., announced today that KU will receive $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Defense for two projects that will help combat bioterrorism.
"Senator Roberts was among the first in Congress to speak out about our need for preparedness against terrorism," said Robert Hemenway, KU chancellor. "This recent funding not only underscores his commitment to national security, it also demonstrates his interest in supporting higher education."
Roberts made the announcement today at a luncheon at the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce alongside KU administrators and researchers. He complimented the world-class researchers and facilities at KU.
"It is important that our universities in Kansas have the opportunity to contribute to homeland security efforts," Roberts said. "The University of Kansas already has the resources and the personnel to conduct critical research on bioterrorism."
One project will help create vaccines that won't lose potency as a result of temperature changes, and the other project will help simulate and predict the spread of potential biological attacks.
Researchers in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at KU will receive $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Defense to establish the Center for the Stabilization of Vaccines. The scientists will develop stronger vaccines that are less likely to lose their potency as a result of temperature variations. By developing vaccines that are less susceptible to degradation as a result of temperature changes, the scientists will make it easier for vaccines to be sent to American soldiers and civilians in remote parts of the world.
Researchers at the Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center at KU will receive $2 million from the Defense Department to create a Bio-Threat Initiative. The initiative will expand on current high-tech Web software the scientists developed to simulate and predict the geographic spread of biological agents -- whether natural, accidental or deliberate -- and determine the human populations at risk. By using the elaborate prediction models, scientists will be able to help emergency officials respond faster to a potential outbreak or attack and minimize the damage.
Janet Murguia, executive vice chancellor for university relations at KU, said Roberts' dedication to national security went hand in hand with his support of higher education.
"Senator Roberts has long been a champion for science education and research," Murguia said. "This funding is just added proof that he continues to work for what's best for higher education, the state and the nation's overall security."
Earlier this year, Roberts was honored at KU by the local chapter of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society. He received the Public Service Award for his contributions to the advancement of scientific research and policy, as well as the strengthening of K-12 science education and math and science teaching.
For more details about the research projects supported by this funding, please read the accompanying fact sheet.
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