$3.6 Million Grant Awarded for Health Equity Initiative

I am excited to announce that the University at Buffalo has been awarded a $3.6 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. This award, titled “Igniting Hope in Buffalo, New York Communities: Training the Next Generation of Health Equity Researchers,” recognizes our university's exceptional research opportunities and strong community partnerships.

I want to sincerely thank Timothy F. Murphy, MD, principal investigator on the grant, a SUNY Distinguished Professor, our senior associate dean for clinical and translational research at the Jacobs School and a recent recipient of the UB President’s Medal. His leadership and dedication were integral in securing this five-year grant which will establish the Center of Excellence in Investigator Development and Community Engagement.

This virtual, university-wide center will be embedded in the UB Community Health Equity Research Institute. It will mentor early-career investigators from diverse fields to address social determinants of health affecting marginalized communities. In 2024, the National Institutes of Health announced its intent to fund up to 10 centers. I am proud that UB is one of these centers funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

This award builds on the strong foundation we've established with the Community Health Equity Research Institute, the Erie County Office of Health Equity and other community organizations. Rev. George F. Nicholas, a respected community leader and CEO of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity, will serve as associate director of the new center. His instrumental work in health equity makes him an invaluable asset as we continue to reinforce the importance of community partnerships.

The funding from this grant will support pilot projects conducted by researchers working with community partners, aiming for transformative improvements in health outcomes. This initiative has the potential to not only improve health but also enhance the perception of research within our community.

The grant also underscores UB’s and the Jacobs School’s dedication to improving the health of the Buffalo community. Leveraging our robust expertise in health sciences and extensive research capabilities, we are committed to advancing health outcomes and transforming the health landscape of our region.

Congratulations to everyone involved! I am incredibly proud of this achievement and the collaborative spirit that made it possible. The establishment of the Center of Excellence in Investigator Development and Community Engagement marks a significant advance in our efforts toward health equity in Western New York.

Best wishes,

Allison Brashear, MD, MBA 
Dean of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 
Vice President for Health Sciences 
University at Buffalo