RTI Creates Genetic-Environment Center March 12, 2010
In an effort to accelerate research to understand the complex relationships between genetics, genomics, molecular epidemiology and their interactions with environmental factors, RTI International has committed more than $2 million to form a new multidisciplinary research center.
The center, called Molecular Epidemiology, Genomics, Environment and Health (or MEGEH), will focus on addressing significant issues or questions regarding genetics and human health through interdisciplinary and translational research.
Since 2001, RTI International has been developing the core capabilities that laid the foundation for the new center, adding advanced capabilities in mass spectrometry, metabolomics, bioinformatics, biostatistics and high-performance computing.
Scientists working within the new center will employ "team science" to develop integrative approaches that better define disease states and states of wellness and susceptibility to disorders and disease. Working together, they will devise medical and public health interventions and policies that will promote implementation of personalized and preventive medicine.
Researchers at the new center represent specialties that comprise the entire range of RTI's research fields, including genetics, bioinformatics, proteomics, biostatistics, epidemiology, engineering and many others.
"One of our first big investments will be recruiting the right person to lead this effort," said Jennie Hunter-Cevera, executive vice president of Discovery and Analytical Sciences and Corporate Development at RTI. "We are committed to becoming a leader in these fields and need someone with the vision, scientific background and leadership experience to succeed."
Hunter-Cevera said that in time this effort will place RTI at the forefront of changes in the way we look at human health and health care outcomes.
Source: Research Triangle Institute
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