UH Manoa to develop partnership with Windber Research Institute

Collaboration will enhance capabilities in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics

The University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Windber Research Institute (WRI) to develop a strategic business relationship and research alliance in the growing fields of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics.

Manoa Chancellor Peter Englert met with Windber officials this week at their campus in Windber, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. "The memorandum is an important first step in creating a synergy between Windber‘s expertise in proteomics and UH Manoa bioinformatics computing capability through the Maui High Performance Computing Center and our on-campus research expertise," Englert said. "We are very pleased to be able to combine these assets to enhance the performance capacity of both our organizations."

The Windber Research Institute is a world-class, state-of-the-art biomedical research facility created in September 2000 as a partner with Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Since that time, WRI has expanded the scope of its operations and developed partnerships with numerous biotechnology companies and academic institutions.
"We are extremely proud to become a partner with the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa and we are looking forward to providing the capabilities available at the Windber Research Institute to ensure that this partnership will contribute significant scientific advances," added F. Nicholas Jacobs, president, WRI.

Collaboration on specific research initiatives will be developed in additional agreements, Englert said. "Our own proposal to develop a UH Manoa Center for Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics Research awaits approval by the Board of Regents," he said. "In the meantime, we expect that our work in these important fields can move forward aggressively as a result of our relationship with WRI."

Terms of reference:
Genomics — The determination of genome sequences and their interpretation

Proteomics — The determination of the structure and function of proteins

Bioinformatics — Information technology applied to biology

For more information, visit: http://www.wriwindber.org