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Montana Offers $2.5 Million to Enhance Bio-Medical Research Collaborations

September 02, 2009
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The Montana Department of Commerce has announced that it will provide $2.5 million in grants to support bio-medical research. Montana-based, private nonprofit research institutions are eligible to apply for the funding, which may be used to expand, renovate and purchase equipment for biomedical research. The grants also may be used to expand infrastructure that will enhance scientific collaborations within the Montana University System. The program is part of a longer-term effort in Montana to improve its research infrastructure and promote the state as a recognized center for bio-medical research.

Funding for the grant program was set aside by the Montana legislature earlier this year through the state's biennial appropriations. Similar awards have been offered in the past through the Department of Commerce, but the $2.5 million now available is a significant increase for the program. In 2007, the entire $2 million that was available was awarded to the McLaughlin Research Institute to expand its facility and research team, and to provide new educational opportunities for high school and college students.

The program requires applicants to obtain matching funds from other sources. Institutions must demonstrate that the funding will improve the health of Montana citizens or livestock, provide new educational or collaboration opportunities, or provide a long-term economic benefit to the state. Eligible researchers must apply by Oct. 16.

Read more about the program at: http://commerce.mt.gov/BioMedResearch.asp.

The state funding will complement the $17.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Institutional Development Award Program given to Montana INBRE, a statewide network of bio-medical researchers and institutions. The five-year award will help sustain the network, which was initially funded by a $17 million NIH award in 2004. INBRE used its first award to fund ten projects around the state intended to provide additional equipment and facilities for research and to create new opportunities for bio-medical students. INBRE officials say that the newest NIH award will allow the group to fund 27 additional projects over the next five years.

For more information about Montana INBRE, visit: http://www.brin.montana.edu/.

Montanar&d