The North Carolina Viral Vector Initiative in Research and Learning (NC-VVIRAL) has been awarded funding by the Triangle Universities Center for Advanced Studies Inc. (TUCASI).
NC-VVIRAL will use the funding to support student-led research projects over the next two years.
“Transforming the technology and workforce training dedicated to gene therapy viral vector manufacturing is a key goal for the economic future of North Carolina and health care across the US and world,” said Jon Horowitz, associate vice chancellor for research infrastructure and development at NC State University.
NC-VVIRAL, an initiative launched by NC State professors Stefano Menegatti and Michael Daniele, is headquartered on Centennial Campus and includes collaborators from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (North Carolina A&T State University and University of North Carolina at Greensboro) and Duke University.
“The ambition of NC-VVIRAL is to support the biomanufacturing of viral vectors in North Carolina,” Menegatti said. “Upon opening, NC-VVIRAL has hit the ground running — and with viral vectors becoming the prevalent tool in medicine and sustainable agriculture, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year.”
“This collaborative research grant from TUCASI signifies official endorsement by the leadership of the universities that make up the Research Triangle,” Daniele said. “And we are thankful for and excited by the additional opportunities this funding will provide for students to gain hands-on experience working in this growing new field of biomanufacturing.”
TUCASI was established in 1975 to serve its three founding universities — Duke, NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill — within the Research Triangle Park.
“TUCASI funding supports projects that lead to very positive outcomes for Triangle universities and the broader RTP and North Carolina community,” said Mladen Vouk, vice chancellor for research at NC State and a member of TUCASI’s Board of Trustees. “This includes game-changing technologies and life-saving products. NC-VVIRAL is a clear winner on both fronts.”
To learn more about NC-VVIRAL, read this Results digital magazine story.
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