They are tackling diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer's, dementia and stroke, and improving bone health. In addition to improving the health of its citizens, many states have seen biomedical research as an economic engine. Discoveries made in the research arena have resulted in spin-off businesses that locate in the state and return the initial investment many times over, through the creation of new jobs, payment of taxes and marketing of products. Biomedical research is the foundation of a good public health system. The discoveries of vaccines against childhood diseases such as polio, mumps, hepatitis, chicken pox and others have eradicated many childhood illnesses and have provided children with a better start in life.
Research is under way today to improve the general health of our state and nation.
It provides the basis for the latest advancements in medical practice, often at the major academic medical centers where Nebraskans go for treatment of complex illnesses. Nebraska has a number of priorities that are important to its future. If we are judicious stewards of these funds, we can take care of these priorities and invest in the biomedical sciences, ensuring a healthier and brighter future for our citizens. Each institutional partner has identified targeted areas of research strengths in which they already have considerable expertise. Strengthening these areas will enable researchers to attract additional funding from the National Institutes of Health and other public and private granting agencies and sources.