UNMC names Dr. Jennifer Larsen vice chancellor for research

Jennifer Larsen, M.D.

A key cog in UNMC’s thriving research enterprise, Jennifer Larsen, M.D., has been named vice chancellor for research.

The appointment, announced today by Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., is subject to approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents at its April 29 meeting.

“Dr. Larsen provides a new spark for the research enterprise at UNMC,” Dr. Maurer said. “She’s very strong in clinical research but understands the importance of basic research. She’s very creative. In a short time, she has put together the infrastructure to allow UNMC to better capitalize on federal support.”

Dr. Maurer said one of Dr. Larsen’s first tasks will be to recruit an associate vice chancellor for basic research to work with her to continue to grow basic research.

More on Dr. Larsen Joined UNMC: 1987 Developed the Clinical Research Center in 1995; chief of the section of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism since 1997; associate vice chancellor for clinical research since last year. Principal investigator on four grants, including two from the National Institutes of Health. Researches the metabolic consequences of organ transplantation; has conducted clinical trials with Native Americans to create strategies to prevent diabetes.

Dr. Larsen will assume her new duties on July 1. She will succeed Tom Rosenquist, Ph.D., who has headed UNMC’s research program since 1999, serving first as director of research development and then being appointed the first-ever vice chancellor for research in 2002. Dr. Rosenquist will return to the department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy to continue his research in congenital heart defects.

Under Dr. Rosenquist’s leadership, UNMC’s research realized exceptional growth. Funding more than tripled going from $30.9 million in 1999 to more than $115 million in 2010, and the twin Durham research towers were constructed giving UNMC world-class research facilities.

“This is an exciting time for research,” Dr. Larsen said. “We are beginning to understand how the body works at a cellular and genetic level and are using that information to tailor medical care to our patients.

“If we can speed the translation of discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside and into the community, we will be successful in growing our research enterprise while also improving overall health.”

“Our basic research programs are very strong, and we will continue to focus on strategies to grow basic research at UNMC,” Dr. Larsen said. “At the same time, we are developing resources that will allow us to further diversify our research portfolio. The College of Public Health and plans for a new Center for Drug Discovery are prime examples of initiatives and resources that will support these new research directions.”