Sebelius Announces University Collaboration to Advance Cancer Center Initiative

Press Release

Sebelius Announces University Collaboration to Advance Cancer Center Initiative

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announced that the University of Kansas and Kansas State University are joining forces in pursuit of a shared statewide goal: National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation for the University of Kansas Cancer Center as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"The NBAF initiative proved that Kansans can achieve great things when they unite behind a common goal - NCI designation is such a goal," Sebelius said. "This opportunity can provide our state with new financial resources for research that can save, extend and enhance the lives of Kansans diagnosed with cancer," Sebelius said.

Joining the Governor in making the announcement were Chancellor Robert Hemenway of the University of Kansas and President John Wefald of Kansas State University. Under the terms of a new agreement, cancer researchers at both institutions will combine their strengths, share their resources and collaborate in every way possible in the push toward NCI designation.

Also present were Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson and Tom Thornton, president and CEO of the Kansas Bioscience Authority.

"NCI designation will benefit the entire state and region," Parkinson said. "Close collaboration between our two largest research universities is key to the success of the whole initiative. Today's announcement marks an extraordinary commitment on their part toward a common objective."

In her State of the State Address, the Governor strongly endorsed the Comprehensive Cancer Center initiative. She noted that "Cancer has affected many Kansas familie

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