BALTIMORE, MD (September 10, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and three Maryland universities have endowed $14.9 million in six new research professorships in fields ranging from virtual reality to neurogenetics and neuroradiology. The endowments were the first made through the
Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative (MEI), a program designed to spur private donations to universities for basic and applied research in scientific and technical fields. The DBED program matches individual or bundled private donations of at least $500,000. The newly endowed chairs and professorships are:
University of Maryland, College Park
Reginald Allan Hahne Endowed Chair in Computer Science, $1.5 million private donation from Elizabeth Stevinson Iribe, $1.05 million MEI match
Michael and Eugenia Brin Endowed Chair in Mathematics, $2.5 million in private donations, $1.05 million MEI match
University of Maryland Baltimore
Endowed Professorship in Entrepreneurial Surgical Science, $1.1 million in private donations, $1.1 million MEI match
Robert C. Gallo Distinguished Professorship, $999,500 in private donations, $999,500 MEI match
Johns Hopkins University
Professorship in Water & Public Health, $1.25 million private donation from William C. Clarke, III, a member of the Bloomberg School’s Health Advisory Board, $1.05 million MEI match
Reta Honey-Hiers Professorship for Tarlov Cyst Disease, $1.25 in million private donations from Mary Ellen Pease and Charles Scheeler, $1.05 million MEI match
Click
here for more information on each of the new professorships.
“The discoveries made and students trained at Maryland universities are among the greatest advantages we have as a state. These endowments will further strengthen our higher education institutions and pave the way for bold new research and innovation,” DBED Secretary Mike Gill said. “We are proud to be partners in this endeavor with the world-renowned universities we have here in our State.”
MEI was created by the General Assembly in the 2014 legislative session and was appropriated $8.5 million in FY2016. Applications for the remaining $2.1 million yet to be allocated are due Nov. 1. MEI dollars can be used to pay salaries of newly endowed department chairs, staff, and support personnel in designated scientific and technical fields of study; fund related research fellowships for graduate and undergraduate students; and purchase lab equipment and other basic infrastructure and equipment. Individual institutions cannot claim more than a quarter of available MEI funds, unless the program’s allotment is not fully allocated.
About DBED:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit
www.choosemaryland.org.
