Group to focus on sciences

University President Lee Bollinger announced last week the creation of the Life Sciences Commission, which will assess the status of life science programs at the University and the potential for new achievements in these studies.

"From the start, I've been saying that building, enhancing and reinforcing the life sciences is a significant goal," Bollinger said. "There has been so much fresh discovery in this area by so many talented people."

The 19 faculty members appointed to the commission represent several life science departments at the University, including biology, physics, chemistry and pharmacy.

"My principle goal was to invest the very best faculty," Bollinger said. "You want the most talented - some of the most talented - people."

University Provost Nancy Cantor described the commission as "very much an independent group," which will work on its own and "touch base" with other offices at the University as plans develop.

"The things the commission is doing will have an impact on a very broad spectrum of things," Cantor said.

Bollinger said the appointment of the commission is just the beginning of many years of "creative brainstorming," which will undoubtedly involve a good deal of financial support. Bollinger said the founding of the commission also presents the opportunity for construction of new campus buildings.

Chemistry Prof. William Roush, one of the commission's co-chairs, said the broad-based commission will consider which themes already exist in the life sciences and attempt to build upon them. He added that the group will define the University's goals for its life science programs in the "not-so-distant future."

"The timing of this is right," Roush said. "There are already substantial strengths in all these areas. ... We're positioned on the verge of tremendous programs in life science. Michigan wants to capitalize on this opportunity."

Bollinger said the goals on the commission's agenda will include progress in undergraduate research, graduate studies, recruitment of students, government funding and possible medical treatments.

Gilbert Omenn, executive vice president for medical affairs, said the commission will look to advance understanding of the life sciences.

"I think (the University) is already considered one of the leading institutions for the life sciences," Omenn said. "But we could be seen as even more outstanding."

Omenn said the group will help the University climb in national rankings by encouraging unity in the life sciences.

"The excitement of these areas ... is phenomenal," Omenn said. "There are new ideas and new technologies."

The commission will ultimately include more far-ranging objectives, with the goal of eventually developing a master plan for all academic units of the Ann Arbor campus, Bollinger said.

"We're trying to do as much as we can across the University," Bollinger said. "Just because we don't have a humanities force doesn't mean we're not doing anything," in those areas.

Bollinger said he is excited about the budding program.

"The promise is so great," Bollinger said. "You just have to feel the sense of great discovery after great discovery."

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