Federal agency to grant $560,969 to University
The University will receive $560,969 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to study basic human cellular transmissions that could be relevant to the future of trauma treatment.
Dr. William Roberts of the University’s biology department will head the new project, and the grant is es
timated to directly create eight new jobs.
U.S. Sens. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., made the announcement Monday. The money will be used to cover the costs of the Presynaptic Mechanisms at Ribbon-class Synapses Research Project, which examines cell communication from one cell to another.
“Scientific discovery and biomedical advancement is a sector of the economy that has incredible potential in Oregon,” Smith said in a press release. “Investing federal dollars directly into Oregon’s higher education will pay big dividends in our economy down the road.”
Researchers said they hope to learn more about cell communications, specifically in human ears and eyes, which will help pave the road to learning how to prevent and treat cell trauma.
“These funds will create jobs and enhance the University of Oregon’s already stellar research programs,” Wyden said in the press release. “I’m pleased to see Oregonians get the support they need to make invaluable discoveries in the science and health care fields.”
— Ali Shaughnessy
