These funds are appropriated annually to support the establishment and implementation of research and development programs related to the pari-mutuel industries of dog racing, horse racing and jai alai. It is hoped that this competition will attract submissions from interactive groups of investigators between department and colleges. I strongly encourage collaborative research involving faculty with substantial clinical responsibilities and those whose predominant activity is in basic research. Investigations conducted in a clinical setting are often restricted by the availability of facilities, the research experience of clinically trained faculty, and the difficulty of individuals with major responsibilities for patient care to pursue uninterrupted research for extended periods of time. One way to compensate for these constraints is for clinicians to cooperate with colleagues who conduct research as a major aspect of their academic appointment.
Effective cooperation can broaden and deepen the experience of both.
Clinicians can acquire new research skills, while faculty engaged in basic research can extend their investigations into more applied areas. Proposals may be partially funded based on scientific review. Awards are for the fiscal year with limited option for a no-cost extension. Although it is anticipated that additional funds will be appropriated by the Legislature in subsequent years, multiple year funding cannot be assured. Other personnel such as residents, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows may be included as research workers.