KU News Release

KU chancellor lauds recommendation of Kansas for biological defense lab

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway issued the following statement today regarding the recommendation that Manhattan be the site of a new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility:

“As a Kansan and as a member of the task force that led our state’s effort, I am thrilled at the news that Kansas has been chosen to be the site of this critical lab. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will be a major economic asset to our state and will boost bioscience research throughout the region, including at KU. When coupled with the cancer, pharmaceutical and other research taking place here, this lab will make Kansas an international center for bioscience research. I commend Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Sen. Pat Roberts for their leadership, as well as Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson and Secretary Dan Glickman for their work as co-chairs of the task force that has brought NBAF to Kansas. Kansas State University also deserves special recognition for its role in helping to bring NBAF to Kansas. I also want to thank the entire Kansas congressional delegation, the leadership of the Kansas Legislature and Tom Thornton and the Kansas Bioscience Authority for their support of what is truly a statewide effort.”

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.