January 29, 2010
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Med School making an economic impact

Sen. Kerry visit highlights effects of research on local and national economy

WORCESTER, Mass.—U.S. Sen. John Kerry heard from UMass Medical School representatives and community members that the Medical School is making an impact on the economic vitality of the region, the state and the country, creating jobs while making innovative strides in basic research and the application of that research to improve health care.

Sen. Kerry joined UMass President Jack Wilson, Chancellor Michael F. Collins,  Medical School scientists, academics and administrators and various local elected and community officials on Friday, Jan. 29, for a roundtable discussion on biomedical research and innovation at the Medical School and its effect on the economy.

“We are very much committed, working together, to improving the lives of residents of Massachusetts and to exercise the privilege we have to care for them and to contribute to the economic improvement of the area,” said Chancellor Collins.

Noting that the Medical School has received $36 million over two years in research funding from the NIH’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act solicitations, Collins said, “Our hope is that members of Congress will recognize the economic stimulus effect of research grants. Every time a principal investigator gets an NIH grant, that results in new jobs. Not just jobs, but very good jobs. The health and wealth of the nation depends on this type of investment.”

Kerry learned that the University system’s $2.44 billion operating budget helps to generate $4.3 billion in annual statewide economic activity. With $73 million in technology and licensing revenue, the system ranked 11th in the country last year, ahead of Harvard University.

 “The Worcester region is the fastest-growing research segment in the state, far outpacing other parts of the state, including Boston,” said President Wilson. “We are taking market share from within the state and at the national level.”

 Also at the table were a number of scientists whose innovative research is breaking new ground in gene therapy, RNA and stem cell research. “Basic research will lead to translational research, which will lead to medical delivery improvement and the creation of new jobs,” said Robert Finberg, MD, the Richard M. Haidack Professor of Medicine and chair and professor of medicine and molecular genetics & microbiology.

“It’s inspiring,” said Kerry at the end of the meeting. “I will go back to Washington reinvigorated with a much better sense of what we can fight for.”