Geisinger receives $150K grant to advance genomics research

April 29, 2009, DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger’s Institute for Genomic Medicine, under the direction of Glenn Gerhard, MD, recently recruited a top level genomic medicine researcher and purchased related equipment as a result of receiving a $150,000 Keystone Innovation Starter Kit  (KISK) program grant.

Nationally-recognized researcher Helena Kuivaniemi, MD, PhD, an expert in molecular biology and the genetics of aortic aneurysms, will join the Institute of Genomic Medicine on June 1, 2009. Dr. Kuivaniemi has published extensively on genetic risk factors associated with aortic aneurysms.

“Geisinger is committed to building a cutting edge genomic medicine research program,” noted David Carey, PhD, director, Weis Center for Research. “Dr. Kuivaniemi’s research focus fits perfectly with the aortic aneurysm research already underway at the Weis Center. The potential benefits of being able to identify a person’s risk of developing an aortic aneurysm in time to initiate treatment when it can be most effective is invaluable.”

The Institute for Genomic Medicine is located in the Weis Center for Research on the Geisinger Medical Center campus in Danville, PA.  Geisinger is in a unique position to study the role of genetic variation in health and disease because of its large geographically stable population served by a comprehensive integrated healthcare delivery system utilizing a robust and fully implement electronic health record.

Governor Ed Rendell made the announcement of the $2.5 million in awards to 18 academic medical centers, research centers and universities across the Commonwealth during a visit to Pittsburgh. Geisinger’s grant was comparable to those received by larger, research institutions.

Rendell said the $2.5 million investment from the KISK program helps local economies, serves as a driver for the commonwealth’s economic growth, and helps to cement Pennsylvania’s reputation as a world-class leader faculty recruitment and advanced technology.

 “Infrastructure and commercialization are essential components of scientific research, but education is the catalyst that drives it forward,” said Rendell. “And now, more than ever, it is important that we invest in our colleges, universities, research institutions and talented researchers as tools to create new technologies, products and businesses that will help us grow our economy and open the door to new opportunities.

Three separate national studies have recognized Pennsylvania for its support of academic and research institutions. The National Science Foundation ranks Pennsylvania fourth in academic research and development expenditures and the commonwealth has consistently ranked fifth or sixth in the nation for the Department of Energy research and development commitments from 2001-2005. Pennsylvania also ranks fourth in the nation for National Institute of Health funding.

The Keystone Innovation Starter Kit initiative is designed to recruit top faculty researchers in crucial advanced knowledge areas to universities throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, discretionary funds can also be used by researchers to develop labs, staff and equipment, in order to leverage private funding for their research.

The Keystone Innovation Starter Kit program is directly linked to the successful Keystone Innovation Zone program, which provides funding for community/university partnerships to create jobs by transferring technology from the development to commercialization and encouraging entrepreneurship.

Since the inception of the Keystone Innovation Zone program, more than $12.5 million has been invested in 29 zones across Pennsylvania that has helped to create more than 2,900 jobs and retain another 5,272 position. The program has also launch 638 new companies and leveraged $461 million in new investments.

From left: Bryan Allinson, Director, Geisinger Ventures; Deputy Secretary Rebecca Bagley and
Thomas Armstrong, Technology Development Specialist, PA Department of Community &
Economic Development.

About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations.  Serving more than 2.6 million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is recognized as being at the forefront of the country's electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, three hospitals, an 800-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company, basic science research, outcomes and population research, clinical research, and an innovation arm that promotes new designs of clinical practice. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.