KGI Biomarker Research Center Receives $1.65 Million Grant
Keck Graduate Institute has received one of the largest contributions in its history, a $1.65 million grant from the Beckman Coulter Foundation. The check was presented by Beckman Coulter Foundation President Dr. Russell Bell to KGI President Sheldon M. Schuster and Professor James Osborne on March 14, as the Board of Directors of the Foundation were hosted at the KGI campus to conduct their quarterly board meeting.
The funding will go toward expansion of the Center for Biomarker Research (CBR), one of KGI's top research laboratories, and the expansion of its Science Heritage Center, a historical exhibit of groundbreaking medical and research instruments. The board visited both during their morning visit to the KGI campus.
CBR is focused on translational research to help patients and the medical community better manage Hereditary Inclusion Body Myopathy and Behçet's Disease. Center director James Osborne explains, "This generous gift from the Beckman Coulter Foundation will allow us to increase laboratory personnel and expand research on diagnostic biomarkers to other rare diseases."
These funds will also allow KGI to expand the Science Heritage Center exhibits to more fully display historical advances across the landscape of science, establish KGI's first fellowships for a PhD and a postdoctoral student, and enable highly motivated undergraduate students to participate in research. These students would in turn greatly increase the capabilities of CBR in the discovery and development of better diagnostic biomarkers for rare diseases.
Beckman Coulter Foundation President Bell states "By investing in the students of KGI, we assure the world will have more well-trained biomedical professionals who no doubt will make outstanding contributions to society in their careers."
"We are especially grateful to the Foundation's leadership for their unprecedented generosity," states KGI President Schuster. "This grant will establish KGI's first fellowships designated for PhD and post-doctoral students. We look forward to welcoming Beckman Coulter Fellows from among the most talented scientists in the nation, and educating them to shape the future of global health."
Keck Graduate Institute is well positioned to educate children and young adults about the importance of science, spark interest in careers in the life sciences and honor the tremendous contributions of Dr. Arnold Beckman through the expansion of the Science Heritage Center exhibits. Fellowship support would enable the most talented students from top schools, who might not otherwise have the resources to continue their education at KGI, to pursue applied research to improve healthcare outcomes in terms of patient wellbeing and a lower cost of care.