Key drivers: Investments in basic science are fundamental to biomedical discovery.

School of Medicine investigators are harnessing new technologies to create precision and personalized approaches to diseases — advances that could not occur without prior investments in basic research.

“Basic research is a key driver of biomedical discovery and an essential part of the robust research environment at the School of Medicine,” said David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine.

“Our university boasts a uniquely collaborative culture in which basic, clinical and translational scientists work together to explore some of the world’s most challenging medical problems,” he said.

In keeping with the medical school’s commitment to basic research, three outstanding women scientists recently were awarded endowed professorships. The funding will enable them to initiate promising research projects, while teaching the next generation of scientists and medical professionals. “Endowed professorships reward and honor those who do extraordinary work,” Perlmutter said.

The new endowed professors are:

Linda J. Pike, PhD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics

Phyllis I. Hanson, MD, PhD, the Gerty T. Cori Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology

Tamara L. Doering, MD, PhD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Molecular Microbiology

The three awardees share a common passion for solving complex biological puzzles and are strong advocates for basic research.
“Essentially all of the progress made in the past 50 years in identifying new drugs has been a result of basic science research,” Pike said.

The original and full article is available here: https://outlook.wustl.edu/key-drivers/