FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - University of Connecticut Interim President Dr. Andrew Agwunobi and Governor Ned Lamont are applauding the work of researchers from the university and UConn Health following a record in grant funding.
Researchers across the UConn system got a record amount of $375 million from federal grants and external sponsors this past fiscal year, according to Agwunobi.
Lamont praised UConn's efforts in research, noting that the university and health system doubled the amount of federal grants earned this year compared to a couple of years ago.
"What I hear is that people around the country are recognizing the incredible work going on at UConn Health, the University of Connecticut and are rewarding that with incredible research dollars," Lamont said.
The strides made in UConn research are helping put Connecticut back on the map in terms of innovation, he said, all the while encouraging people to study, research or do business in the state.
UConn Board of Trustees distinguished professor Dr. Leslie Loew credits the state's support for the recent success and offered a personal example.
A few years back, Loew helped create a research center called 'The Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling' using a $300,000 technology development grant from the State of Connecticut.
"Since then, the center has brought in, at least, $70 million in federal grants to the state and has created software called 'Virtual Cell' that has been downloaded by 25,000 scientists around the world," Loew said.
UConn anticipates further growth in research and grant funding with the support of the state, Agwunobi said.