The National Institutes of Health grant is the third to be awarded to the Vermont Genetics Network, which is based at the University of Vermont and serves UVM, the state college system, St. Michael’s College, Middlebury College and Norwich University.
“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,” Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said at a ceremony Friday.
Leahy is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds the National Institutes of Health. Since 2005, Leahy has helped to secure $56.3 million in funding for the Vermont Genetics Network, according to a news release.
The Vermont Genetics Network is located at UVM, where it identifies the need and develops facilities for research, according to its website. The Network partners with the other Vermont colleges and universities to provide funding for biomedical research projects.
Judith Van Houten, director of Vermont Genetics Network, said the grants are only available for small states such as Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire because they need the resources and it’s a competitive process among the states to win the NIH grants.
“We have to work hard to write a really impressive proposal or we don’t get to see the money,” Van Houten said.
Van Houten said the latest grant would provide funding for the next five years for any type of biomedical research.
“It’s going to push us all forward a step in competitiveness,” Van Houten said.
As the lead institution, University of Vermont provides the funding for other research facilities in the state and it receives funding for its own facilities, Van Houten said.
“At UVM, we’re adding equipment and facilities and keeping them cutting-edge,” Van Houten said.
A recent graduate of Castleton State College spoke at the announcement about his experience with the Vermont Genetics Network.
Christopher Villa said the program funded a research project he conducted in the summer of 2013. After presenting the results of his project, he was able to procure a fellowship that is available to only a few students in the country each year, he said.
Villa will begin working toward his Ph.D. in the fall at UVM, he said.
