$22 million gift from Alfred Taubman launches new biomedical research...( ANN ARBOR Mich. A new and extraordi...)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. A new and extraordinary $22 million gift to the University of Michigan Health System is making possible a new and extraordinary institute one with a mission of supporting fundamental research to advance the understanding of the causes, treatment and prevention of a broad range of human diseases.

The A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, being established in the U-M Medical School, is named for the retail pioneer whose funding and vision led to its creation. Mr. Taubmans gift creates an endowment whose earnings will fund the institute, and the research of individual Taubman Scholars within the institute, for generations to come.

The first five Taubman Scholars have already been chosen from among the Medical Schools top scientists. Each was selected for his or her remarkable creativity and research that holds the potential to significantly advance the development of a cure or preventive treatment for a human disease.

Each scientist will receive a three-year grant that will provide $200,000 per year for his or her laboratory team to use in their pursuit of new knowledge. This leaves them free to pursue the most promising possibilities. The scholars will also serve as advocates for research, by taking part in U-M efforts to educate the public about the importance of biomedical research, and of public and private support for such research.

At the end of three years, the scholars grants may be renewed, and new scholars may be chosen from among the Medical School faculty, by an oversight committee chaired by U-M executive vice president for medical affairs Robert Kelch, M.D.

We are on the doorstep of amazing scientific discoveries that will dramatically improve the health of people around the world, says Mr. Taubman, who attended the University of Michigan and has been one of the institutions most generous supporters, with lifetime giving of more than $60 million. I am delighted to be able to su
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