The University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
have received approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents
to establish an intercampus Center for Environmental Toxicology.
The center will provide a single university entity to support and focus
graduate studies and research activities in environmental toxicology, which
involves the study of the potential harmful effects of chemical agents
and the development of conditions under which toxic chemicals can be used
safely.
The center will coordinate the interdisciplinary program that presently
involves both campuses and provide an administrative framework for training
grants and collaborative research projects. Dr. Ercole Cavalieri, professor
for the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases at
UNMC, will serve as director of the center.
"Establishment of the center will enhance the ability of faculty
on both campuses to more efficiently carry out collaborative research programs
and be more competitive in obtaining extramural funding from governmental
agencies and foundations to support graduate students and collaborative
research projects," Dr. Cavalieri said.
He added that the center also would serve as a resource to assist Nebraska
businesses and government agencies experiencing toxicology-related problems.
Dr. Cavalieri said a long-range goal of the center will be to establish
an intercampus graduate program offering master’s and doctorate degrees
in toxicology.
The Eppley Institute will provide office space and management of program
accounts. Both UNMC and UNL will provide funding for the center.