GALVESTON, Texas - Dr. Allan R. Brasier has been appointed director of the new Institute for Translational Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
According to Dr. Garland D. Anderson, executive vice president and provost, the goal of the new institute is to "stimulate the rapid transition of significant discoveries in basic research into diagnosis, treatment and the prevention of common diseases."
"Dr. Brasier has a proven ability to create multi-disciplinary research teams and to ensure research projects adhere to timelines and protocols for success," Anderson said. "This appointment is recognition of Dr. Brasier's commitment to translational research, and his desire to bring the best of bench research into patient care."
Brasier, a nationally recognized researcher, said that he was honored to be selected director.
"We envision the institute to be a transforming force for patient-oriented research programs at UTMB and in the region," Brasier said. "Our focus on supporting translational teams will allow us to innovate and stimulate new research applications in ways that are currently impossible.
"Another of our goals will be to work more closely with our sister institutions in Houston, where we have recently formed a new joint inter-institutional Center in Personalized Health Informatics with the UT-Houston Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences," Brasier said.
Brasier joined UTMB in 1991 and has held several positions, including associate vice president for research. He holds the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Distinguished Chair in Internal Medicine and is director of the Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine.
Creation of the institute was recently approved by the UT System and the Board of Regents.