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Preventing Disease Where It Begins...

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Goals and Mission Statement

Illustration byJudith Yellin-Ginat,
used with the artist's permission

The goal of the Mucosal and Vaccine Research Center (MAVRC) is to provide a synergistic integration of epidemiological and basic science perspectives for innovative and realistic solutions to relevant infectious disease problems in human and veterinary medicine. The majority of infectious diseases begin at mucosal sites. Therefore, our mission is "Preventing Disease Where It Begins…" MAVRC will accomplish this mission by establishing a unifying structure to incorporate, harness, and direct independent but overlapping research programs in human and veterinary mucosal biology and immunology with medical caregivers across the Twin Cities. Scientists and clinicians in the Medical School, the Dental School, the School of Public Health, and the College of Veterinary Medicine will work towards six goals:

chart

fostering new interdisciplinary activities in mucosal biology in areas of exceptional strength;
capitalizing on unique resources, such as genomics, for research models of mucosal disease;
enriching existing University centers in immunology, cancer, and animal biotechnology; and
facilitating international research and clinical collaborations.
building an externally-funded professional education training program in clinical, basic, and epidemiological research training focused on mucosal biology and disease;
promoting community health education and awareness on vaccine-related issues;

The center will provide a dynamic nexus of communication. MAVRC will facilitate the development of collaborative, interdisciplinary research programs, coordinate recruitment and development of scientists and physician-scientists in infectious disease specialties, and initiate community education and outreach. MAVRC will create the structure to integrate laboratory and clinical sciences in a multidisciplinary and interactive environment of well-supported science, teaching, and community service.

Copyright 2001 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota.
Epi web site contact: Clarence Weis (mavrc@tc.umn.edu)
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.