Press Release
May 9, 2007
Contact: Dale Heffler
Phone: (732) 235-3310
Foundation Initiates 3 New Programs to Award Excellence at UMDNJ
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NEW BRUNSWICK— Faculty members and students at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) will be the recipients of nearly $4.5 million (grants plus matches) in additional awards and scholarships this year to reward excellence at the University.
Through its annual Program Committee Awards, the Foundation of UMDNJ and its parent company, New Jersey Health Foundation, have established three new programs for researchers and doctoral students.
Beginning this fall, the Foundation will allocate $330,000 to initiate the Foundation of UMDNJ Society of Graduate Research Scholars for doctoral students at the UMDNJ-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS). This honor will be conferred upon accepted students who have demonstrated excellence in undergraduate courses and research endeavors. A minimum of 10 scholars will be named for the upcoming academic year, each receiving a one-year stipend and an educational allowance totaling between $3,000 - $5,000 that can be used toward support of his/her research activities.
“The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMDNJ is committed to training future leaders in biomedical research, those who will shape tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs and pave the way for advances in the discovery, development and delivery of healthcare,” said Dr. Kathleen Scotto, vice president for research at UMDNJ and interim dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. “This new initiative by the Foundation of UMDNJ provides special recognition and incentive to some of our most promising young scholars as they begin their academic research careers.”
The second program, an addition to the existing Excellence in Teaching Awards given each year to recognize members of the UMDNJ faculty for outstanding teaching, are new Excellence in Research Awards to recognize members of the faculty for outstanding research performed during the academic year.
The third program will provide $1,000,000 in research grants ($500,000 from New Jersey Health and $500,000 through a matching component) as part of the Bridge Research Grant Program, which will provide grants to bridge the gap for researchers awaiting federal or other funding.
"These grants will assist our talented students and faculty as they continue to drive the University's academic and clinical achievements," commented Dr. Bruce C. Vladeck, interim president.
The Foundation of UMDNJ is an independent, 501 (c) (3) organization that supports the mission of the University by soliciting support from individuals, corporations and foundations that wish to advance healthcare in New Jersey.
UMDNJ is the nation’s largest free-standing public health sciences university with more than 5,700 students attending the state's three medical schools, its only dental school, a graduate school of biomedical sciences, a school of health related professions, a school of nursing and a school of public health on five campuses. Annually, there are more than two million patient visits at UMDNJ facilities and faculty practices at campuses in Newark, New Brunswick/Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Camden and Stratford. UMDNJ operates University Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center in Newark, and University Behavioral HealthCare, a statewide mental health and addiction services network.
