KCU receives grant to develop Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics

Kansas City University (KCU) has received a generous $300,000 gift from the William T. Kemper Foundation to help establish a Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics for Pediatric Cancer and Rare Diseases, in collaboration with Children's Mercy Research Institute (CMRI). This funding will support a groundbreaking bioinformatics project focused on identifying genetic drivers of rare pediatric cancers that currently have no diagnosis. Through this initiative, KCU students will gain hands-on experience in advanced bioinformatics research, contributing to discoveries that could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment for these complex conditions.

The grant marks a significant milestone in KCU’s enduring relationship with the Kemper Foundation and CMRI. These vital partnerships will provide the resources and expertise necessary to bring the center to fruition. Students will have access to state-of-the-art lab equipment, cutting-edge software and mentorship opportunities with CMRI researchers. The program will initially focus on uncovering genetic drivers of undiagnosed pediatric tumors, with plans to expand into other rare conditions such as metabolic disorders and intellectual disabilities.

“This grant is a philanthropic investment in our College of Biosciences and in the research enterprise that KCU wants to build going forward,” said Jennifer Ingraham, vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. The initiative reflects KCU’s dedication to fostering innovation in research and preparing a skilled workforce for the rapidly growing field of bioinformatics.

The planned Center of Excellence represents an exciting step forward in KCU’s efforts to make meaningful contributions to science and health care. With support from longtime partners like the William T. Kemper Foundation and CMRI, KCU is laying the groundwork for transformative discoveries that could redefine the future of pediatric research and treatment.