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Home > What We Fund > Medical Research

Medical Research

The Buffalo Niagara region receives many medical benefits as a result of a strong research sector.  The research industry also offers our region a promising route to local economic development and a revitalized region. The Foundation will continue to leverage new public and private dollars that support Buffalo Niagara based medical research across a range of disciplines. Additionally, the Foundation will emphasize the commercialization of products arising from local research. 

Our goal in this area is to expand the local medical research industry and establish it as a primary contributor to the regional economy. 

In order to accomplish this goal, we will work to increase public and private investment in locally based biomedical and bioinformatic research by:

  • Monitoring and tracking how local dollars leverage additional outside resources
  • Providing funding to enable local researchers to develop the demonstration data necessary to access new public funding

Commercialization of medical innovations developed locally can lead to new patent applications, new business development, and new employment opportunities.  To support this commercialization, the Foundation will work to:

  • Improve access to “how-to” information and assistance for scientists
  • Fund research with a high potential for translational and commercial incubation
  • Invest in organizations dedicated to expanding the local biotech industry through the education of scientists in how to move to commercialization, convening venture capital partners to demonstrate opportunities, and providing market-rate investments in local biotech ventures

To increase investment in translational research (i.e. bench to clinic) - including devices, technologies, and processes with a focus on improving treatment for locally prevalent chronic conditions we will:

  • Provide seed funding and challenge grants to promising translational research across disciplines
  • Prioritize support for research across disciplines that has a probability of ultimately impacting locally prevalent conditions