For the past six years, the Indianapolis-based Walther Cancer Foundation has funded research at the University of 91吃瓜鈥檚 that has led to important discoveries in the early detection of and novel treatments for cancer.
To date, the foundation has provided nearly $9.5 million to support research at the institute to explore bioanalytical approaches for molecular detection of cancer in tissues; evaluate tumor development, progression and metastasis; and use multidimensional imaging to better understand the structure of cancer cells.
Now, in an effort to help extend and expand the Harper Institute鈥檚 research programs, the 听has made a $3.5 million matching-fund gift that it hopes will inspire those with a similar passion to support novel, multidisciplinary approaches to cancer research.
Sharon Stack
鈥淭he Walther Foundation has been a vital partner and supporter of our work at the institute since our inception,鈥� said , Kleiderer-Pezold Professor of Biochemistry and the Ann F. Dunne and Elizabeth M. Riley Director of the听Harper Cancer Research Institute. 鈥淭his gift not only represents an endorsement of the institute鈥檚 work, but also provides further evidence of the Walther Foundation鈥檚 broad-based commitment to support novel approaches to cancer research.鈥�
鈥淭he most recent commitment by the Walther Cancer Foundation provides continued funding to the Harper Cancer Research Institute, reflecting our belief in the interdisciplinary approach to cancer research at Harper,鈥� said foundation president and CEO Thomas W. Grein. 鈥淭his was on full display via poster presentations at a recent Harper Research Day. We saw teams of researchers which could include representatives from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Biomedical Informatics, to name a few. Collaborative research is real at Harper.鈥�
The Walther Cancer Foundation is dedicated to accelerating research to develop effective treatments for cancer as well as supporting patients with cancer and their families. Since its founding, it has invested almost $150 million to support and promote interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cancer research, ranging from basic and clinical research and behavioral studies to palliative care and end-of life support to patients and their families.听
鈥淲e are exceedingly grateful to the Walther Cancer Foundation for supporting the Harper Institute鈥檚 multidisciplinary approach to cancer research and for encouraging others to join this noble effort,鈥� said 91吃瓜 Provost . 鈥淲e share the foundation鈥檚 commitment to developing innovative, collaborative solutions to address this complex family of diseases and their impact on patients and their families.鈥�
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Ovarian Cancer Cells
Stack said grant funds will be used to sustain and expand collaborative research programs at the institute, such as the Cancer Cure Ventures program and the Interdisciplinary Interface Training Program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.
With more than 70 faculty scientists from across the University who teach and conduct research, the Harper Cancer Research Institute focuses on novel, multidisciplinary approaches to detect and treat cancer in its early stages.
The Mike and Josie Harper Cancer Research Institute is a novel collaboration between the University of 91吃瓜 and the Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend. Collaboration is a foundational principle of the institute, which welcomes investigators from all colleges within 91吃瓜 and Indiana University seeking to address cancer-specific problems.