Blunt Announces Funding He Secured Will Benefit 14 Life Science Projects Throughout Missouri  
            
Gov. Matt Blunt announced that $13.1 million he secured in the Missouri Life Sciences Trust Fund will be distributed to support 14 projects throughout the state. The Missouri Life Sciences Research Board voted to fund seven plant science/gateway fund projects, four animal health projects, and three bioenergy projects. 

“It is imperative we find ways for our state to recognize every opportunity and benefit available through new technology and plant science, and these projects are examples of the outstanding economic, research and growth potential in our state,” Gov. Matt Blunt said. “I commend the members of the Missouri Life Sciences Research Board for their diligent work throughout this process and in selecting projects with great research and job creation potential.  
Missouri is a world leader in plant biotechnology and a world class destination for animal health companies.  Securing funding for the Life Sciences Trust Fund is another way we can help increase our capacity in plant and animal science research making us more competitive in the future.” 

Gov. Blunt has called for funding for the Life Sciences Trust Fund every year since he took office.  This year the general assembly approved $13.4 million.  The Life Sciences Research Board voted to provide funding to ten research projects totaling $10.5 million and four commercialization projects totaling $2.6 million.  

The board received 43 applications for $34.7 million in total funding.  Each proposal underwent a thorough review at the Center of Excellence level through their screening committees.  In addition, at least three peer reviewers analyzed each proposal.  Some more complicated and expansive proposals had as many as seven peer reviewers.  In total, the Life Science Research Board used 86 peer reviewers to analyze in detail the 43 proposals presented for funding to the board. 

The mission of the Missouri Life Sciences Research Board and the Missouri Life Sciences Trust Fund is to enhance research capacity in life sciences to better serve the health and welfare of Missouri citizens; to promote Missouri as a center of life science research and development by building on the success of existing Missouri research institutions; to create and attract new research and development institutions; and to transform research into commercial life science technology.  

Action taken by the Missouri General Assembly in 2007 requires this $13.4 million in resources be dedicated towards agricultural research in the areas of bioenergy, plant science, animal health and nutrition.  In addition, the board will be complying with the legislature’s call for a report to be presented by December 1, 2007 to the Chairs of the House Budget Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee on how these funds are being employed.