Cancer, clean energy named as two new academic Superclusters
July 10, 2007
Colorado State University this week officially named two new academic Superclusters that focus on areas of interdisciplinary research strengths within the university.
The two newly approved Superclusters - picked from 15 proposals from throughout the university - are Clean Energy and Cancer Research and Treatment.
They were recommended for approval after a detailed review by a committee of distinguished faculty and administrators. Provost Tony Frank and Vice President for Research Bill Farland, with input from President Larry Edward Penley, formally approved them.
"Ongoing work in these areas helps Colorado State rise to a new level of competitiveness in addressing research challenges that are truly global in nature," Frank said. "Like the infectious disease Supercluster, clean energy and cancer research at Colorado State carry international prominence and potential for growth."
Stephen Withrow named Cancer Supercluster director
Stephen J. Withrow, a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences and director of the Animal Cancer Center, is director of the new academic Cancer Supercluster. Robert Ullrich, director of research at the Animal Cancer Center and a professor in the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, is director of research for the Supercluster. Both are in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Bryan Willson named Clean Energy Supercluster interim director
Acting as interim director of the Clean Energy Supercluster is Bryan Willson, who is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the College of Engineering and director of the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory.
"Colorado State University has a strong tradition of multidisciplinary research and that's the wave of the future for a topnotch research institution," Farland said. "The Superclusters are a natural extension of this research, which is going to be an opportunity to enhance the role of these investigators in terms of moving science toward commercialization."
Previously launched Infectious Disease Supercluster
In February, the university announced the creation of MicroRx, a new business arm of the infectious disease academic Supercluster known for its infectious disease discoveries, including diagnostic tests and vaccines for West Nile virus, leprosy, bubonic plague and tuberculosis. MicroRx is a first-of-its-kind enterprise to speed the transition of life-saving research on infectious diseases from the academic world into the global marketplace.
Barry Beaty - a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences - serves as chief scientific officer of MicroRx.
The business entities to be associated with the Clean Energy and Cancer Superclusters are still being developed.
Collaboration to bridge the worlds of business and academia
The ultimate goal of the Superclusters is to create alliances of academic researchers, economists and business experts designed to encourage collaboration and bridge the vastly different worlds of business and academia. MicroRx is a private, non-profit entity focused on infectious disease and biomedical research and development.
Colorado State, a premier research institution, has experienced double-digit growth in research dollars in recent years with total annual research expenditures topping $267 million.
Contact: Brad Bohlander
Email: Brad.Bohlander@colostate.edu
Phone Number: (970) 491-1545
