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Steven Hinrichs, M.D. |
Exploring ways for UNMC to gain research funding from sources other than the National Institutes of Health is one of his top priorities as he takes on his new responsibilities, Dr. Hinrichs said.
“In this time of decreased funding from the NIH, it’s essential that we diversify our portfolio, so to speak, in terms of our funding sources,” said Dr. Hinrichs, who also is a professor in UNMC’s Department of Pathology and Microbiology and director of the Nebraska Center for Biosecurity. “We have many avenues of funding to investigate that we haven’t explored sufficiently and now is the time to take a look at these options.”
Increasing participation in clinical trials and diagnostic research are two areas Dr. Hinrichs especially wants to explore. He said he is looking forward to working with Jennifer Larsen, M.D., associate dean of clinical research in the College of Medicine, to find new funding sources in clinical research.
“I am excited to work with Dr. Larsen in building upon the extraordinary potential of our clinical research program,” Dr. Hinrichs said. “These new funding sources can help provide a base to support future NIH grants and also allow us to compete with established research centers.”
Dr. Hinrichs would like to see medical center researchers take full advantage of Department of Defense funding sources.
“NIH funding is cyclical and right now we are in a down cycle,” Dr. Hinrichs said. “It is important for our researchers and students to keep in mind that increased NIH funding will come in the future. In the meantime, we will explore other options. At the end of the day, the more funding sources you have, the stronger our programs will be.”
Dr. Hinrichs has an entrepreneurial spirit that makes him the right person to lead College of Medicine researchers as they look to increase funding sources, Dr. Gollan said.
This entrepreneurial bent has been evidenced by the partnerships Dr. Hinrichs has forged with businesses — such as 3M Corporation — and government entities — such as the DOD — in his role as director of the biosecurity center.
“Dr. Hinrichs has wonderful vision when it comes to finding new funding sources and forging solid partnerships,” Dr. Gollan said. “These qualities make him a great fit for this position.”
Dr. Hinrichs is taking over for Ira Fox, M.D., whom Drs. Hinrichs and Gollan lauded for his work in the position, and in particular turning the College of Medicine M.D./Ph.D. program into a nationally-competitive program.
“Dr. Fox’s contributions were many,” Dr. Gollan said. “I believe Dr. Hinrichs will follow in Dr. Fox’s mold of leading our researchers down new trails and avenues as we continue to become a world-class medical college.”