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February 10, 2004

BOARD OF REGENTS SUPPORTS BIOSCIENCE INITIATIVE
State Institutions of Higher Education Would Benefit From Additional Research Funding

(Topeka) - Janice DeBauge, Chairperson of the Kansas Board of Regents, today testified on behalf of House Bill 2647, the Kansas Bioscience Initiative. Chair DeBauge’s testimony, presented before the House Economic Development Committee, outlined how this legislation, which was introduced by Representative Kenny Wilk (R-Lansing), would benefit the state of Kansas.

"Kansas is poised to capitalize on bioscience development because of its commitment to providing higher education in a diversity of settings, both geographically and by type of institution," said Chairperson DeBauge. "The fundamental strength of the Kansas higher education system is the differentiation that exists – bioscience research, research in the areas of food safety, crop resistance and plant engineering, and polymer research, coupled with the numerous programs that exist at Kansas community colleges for training the technicians that assist bioscience researchers. This is a significant asset that sets us apart from many other states."

Kansas universities would benefit from the Kansas Bioscience Initiative through the increased recruiting of eminent scholars. These scholars would be distinguished and established investigators recognized nationally for their research and would garner significant funding annually from federal research sources. Eminent scholars are noted for their scientific and entrepreneurial spirit to drive the innovative research that leads to economic gains. Also, the Initiative would provide additional funding that is necessary for the construction and ongoing maintenance of bioscience research facilities at Kansas universities – one of the most significant challenges in the current efforts to recruit top-notch faculty to Kansas institutions.

"The Kansas Bioscience Initiative is necessary if Kansas intends to compete in the 21st century economic environment," said Representative Wilk. "I am grateful that the Kansas Board of Regents supports this initiative."

"The Kansas Economic Growth Act is a tribute to the vision and leadership of Representative Kenny Wilk, Senator Nick Jordan (R-Shawnee), Speaker of the House Doug Mays (R-Topeka) and Senate President Dave Kerr (R-Hutchinson)," said Reginald Robinson, President and CEO of the Kansas Board of Regents. "The Act provides a unique opportunity for our institutions of higher education as we better prepare Kansans for the 21st century."

The Kansas Bioscience Initiative is one component of the Kansas Economic Growth Act that was introduced last month by Representative Wilk and Senator Jordan. The Senate Commerce Committee is considering the other component of the Act, the Kansas Entrepreneurial Initiative.

For more information contact Kip Peterson, Director of Government Affairs & Communications, at (785) 296-3421.

February 16, 2004 1:25 PM