DETROIT, MI, October 02, 2009 – Wayne State University (WSU) and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute today announced a long-term partnership agreement to advance cancer research, education and clinical care. This document, which expands on an agreement signed in 1994, reaffirms the critical importance of the research collaboration between Wayne State and Karmanos, and cites the goal of significantly expanding the number of cancer research faculty and programs at both institutions.
Under the agreement, the School of Medicine will establish a new department for existing and new WSU basic scientists whose primary appointments are in the cancer institute. Details of the new department will be worked out over the coming months. Building this department is an opportunity to improve integration of Karmanos faculty into the School of Medicine and will facilitate school-wide initiatives in multidisciplinary research.
“This new agreement solidifies Karmanos’ and Wayne State University’s long-term commitment to one another and supports our joint mission of excellence in cancer research, education and clinical care,” said Karmanos Cancer Institute Interim President and CEO Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D., MPH.
Wayne State School of Medicine Interim Dean Valerie Parisi concurred. “This agreement demonstrates the principles of a true academic partnership,” said Parisi. “Our teams worked closely to incorporate the highest standards of academic and research excellence into the final document. This has been a true collaboration, and I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the Karmanos team.”
Schwartz added, “The agreement also strengthens and supports the mission of our National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center by demonstrating broad institutional support in the pursuit of excellence in cancer research. Without such a strong partnership we could not accomplish our shared goals.”
“We are delighted with our growing partnership with Karmanos,” said Wayne State University President Jay Noren. “This is exactly the kind of dedicated collaboration in research and clinical care that will push the boundaries of our knowledge, with the ultimate beneficiaries being the patients in our community and beyond.”
