Program breathes life into lung research

he Medical Center has launched a Lung Biology and Disease Program that unites a dozen top scientists from various departments in a new facility adjacent to the Arthur Kornberg Medical Research Building.

While recruitment of new faculty and some construction and laboratory setups will continue throughout the year, the program, which also serves as an umbrella for as many as 40 researchers, will be fully operational by June and will allow scientists--once separated geographically and by professional disciplines--to work more effectively as they investigate lung disease.

"When you're interested in the disease process, understanding the whole picture is critical," says Deborah Cory-Slechta, dean for research and director of the Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences. "This is a group of very talented physicians and researchers who were interactive already, but the intense, team-based approach will allow them to take advantage of what goes on in each others' labs in a much more dynamic way."

A cohesive approach to lung biology research promises to enhance the University's competitive stature and boost funding opportunities. The program will also help to recruit new scientists and to encourage mentoring between senior faculty and young researchers.

Mark Utell, professor of medicine in pulmonary and critical care, says the University is smart to capitalize on a workplace culture that promotes collaboration. "Having the ability to convene top faculty from pediatrics, oncology, pulmonary, and environmental medicine into tightly knit, new laboratories, will position the University for great progress," he says.

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