University Of Minnesota Receives $35 Million From Minnesota Masonic Charities To Advance Aging And Metabolism Research

University Of Minnesota Receives $35 Million From Minnesota Masonic Charities To Advance Aging And Metabolism Research

Minnesota is stepping up its game in the fight for healthier golden years. The University of Minnesota just got a hefty $35 million financial boost from Minnesota Masonic Charities aimed squarely at the biology of aging and metabolism. This big-money move cranks the total Masonic support for the U of M to an eye-popping $195 million over their six-decade partnership.

The latest wad of cash includes a cool $15 million tossed to the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Institute for the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (iBAM), with big brains and aging research mavens Laura Niedernhofer and Paul Robbins at the helm, said, the school in a recent announcement. The plan is to kick-start research that could help our elders enjoy their twilight years in better health, and get those scientific breakthroughs zipping from the lab to real-world treatments faster.

"This new and invaluable partnership reflects a critical investment in translating our groundbreaking discoveries to benefit the citizens of Minnesota, enhancing our understanding and promotion of healthy aging, and accelerating clinical trials to bring these innovations to life," Niedernhofer told the University of Minnesota. The institute will now be known as the Masonic Institute for the Biology of Aging and Metabolism (MiBAM), ensuring the Masonic name sticks around on campus.

John Schwietz, CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities, put it simply: Their commitment to evolving healthcare started with the first Masonic Memorial Cancer Hospital back in '58, and now with MiBAM in the fold, they’ve circled back to focus on the aging sector, a journey echoed since the foundation of their original Masonic Home. “We look forward to the continued impact of this extraordinary partnership," he emphasized to the University of Minnesota.

The realm of cancer and pediatrics isn’t left behind either, with the rest of the $20 million split between these stalwart research fields. Jeffrey Miller, interim director of the Masonic Cancer Center, is banking on the funds to fuel the next wave of cancer-crushing work. "This latest gift will amplify our efforts to uncover new solutions, directly improving the lives of patients and their families while advancing our vision to reduce cancer’s burden worldwide," Miller remarked. And it doesn't stop with the grown-ups: Joe Neglia, chair of the U of M Department of Pediatrics, knows first-hand the positive impact the Masons have on kiddos far and wide. “Their commitment to improving health across the lifespan and across geographies is truly amazing,” he acknowledged.

SOURCE: hoodline