Sen. Patrick Leahy, University of Vermont president Tom Sullivan, and representatives from seven Vermont colleges and universities gathered in Burlington June 12 to announce that the Vermont Genetics Network (VGN) will receive a five-year $17.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for cutting-edge biomedical research.

The grant comes from NIH’s Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program. Since 2005, Leahy has helped the Vermont Genetics Network to secure $56.3M in federal funding.

The Vermont Genetics Network is funded by NIH under the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.  The program is intended to build human and physical infrastructure in Vermont for biomedical research that benefits Vermonters and patients worldwide. This is the third award granted to UVM in 15 years to help train the next generation of scientists, while ensuring that Vermont continues to attract world-class clinicians, researchers and medical professionals to develop and apply advanced medical practices. 

As the lead institution of the Vermont NIH-INBRE consortium, the University of Vermont provides funding to research faculty and students at seven baccalaureate partner institutions, including Saint Michael’s College, Lyndon State College, Johnson State College, Norwich University, Castleton State College, Green Mountain College, and Middlebury College. The university also partners with the Community College of Vermont and Landmark College to include a broader range of students in world class research opportunities. 

Friday’s event showcased the ways in which NIH-INBRE funding for biomedical research in genetics and human health and behavior -- the two themes of VGN -- benefit Vermonters. Speakers highlighted the value of research across the state in fostering a science and medical workforce that expands health care innovation, while supporting the local economy.

Leahy said, “I have long been impressed by the tireless dedication of biomedical researchers to build preventative strategies, therapies and cures for thousands of devastating diseases worldwide. Nearly every drug, vaccine and treatment we use today is grounded in years of biomedical research.  These resources will help to ensure that the Vermont Genetics Network can continue to make critical investments in college lab classes, innovative research efforts, and Vermont’s reputation as a leader in biomedical advancement.” Leahy is the most senior member overall of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds NIH. His wife, Marcelle, is a registered nurse.

University of Vermont President Tom Sullivan said, "This generous grant will enable UVM and our partner institutions to advance bio-medical research for years to come. I would like to sincerely thank Sen. Leahy and our Vermont congressional delegation for their unfailing commitment to procure funding for this crucial research. Our members of congress are committed to the advancement of higher education -- whether it be through funding for scientific research or their tireless fight for student aid dollars to increase financial access to college, which is our top priority at UVM -- and for that we are truly grateful. "

Judith Van Houten, director of the Vermont Genetics Network, said, “The Vermont Genetics Network could not compete for these significant funds if Senator Leahy had not put his support behind the funding for the NIH and for Programs like IDeA that funds VGN.  VGN contributes to cutting edge infrastructure for biomedical research and workforce development across Vermont, so that quality of health care and STEM education are not determined by your zip code. Small rural states like Vermont need these resources.”

Since 2005, NIH-INBRE funds have supported critical investments and advances including:

• The Vermont Cancer Center to advance the prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship of cancer;
• The Vermont Center for Infectious Disease and Immunobiology to promote drug discovery for Ebola, Lassa, West Nile, Typhoid, yellow fever, and HIV;
• The Vermont Lung Center to address lung disease, one of the most significant causes of mortality and morbidity in the United States;
• The North East Cyberinfrastructure Consortium, a five state collaborative to enable researchers and educators to access global research and information;
• Maintenance and upgrades to VGN’s state‐of‐the‐art research facilities, which provide innovative technology resources for researchers across Vermont;
• Identification of four new blood types to revolutionize blood transfusion;
• Funded over 250 unique research awards to faculty and students at 8 Vermont colleges and universities.

Also in attendance were Frank Cioffi, UVM Board of Trustees; Nolan Atkins, Lyndon State College; President John Neuhauser, St. Michael’s College; President Barbara Murphy, Johnson State College; Dr. Dave Westerman, vice president for research at Norwich University; Tim Gover, Castleton State College; Robert Cluss, Middlebury College; President Paul Fonteyn, Green Mountain College.  

Student researcher Chris Villa of Williamstown, Vermont, a recent graduate of Castleton State College and a UVM doctoral candidate in microbiology in the Department of Cellular, Molecular, and Biomedical Sciences, also participated in the event.