DETROIT, MI - Wayne State University (WSU) and the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute today announced a long-term partnership agreement to advance cancer research, education and clinical care. This document, which expands on an agreement signed in 1994, reaffirms the critical importance of the research collaboration between Wayne State and Karmanos, and cites the goal of significantly expanding the number of cancer research faculty and programs at both institutions.

Under the agreement, the School of Medicine will establish a new department for existing and new WSU basic scientists whose primary appointments are in the cancer institute. Details of the new department will be worked out over the coming months. Building this department is an opportunity to improve integration of Karmanos faculty into the School of Medicine and will facilitate school-wide initiatives in multidisciplinary research.

"This new agreement solidifies Karmanos' and Wayne State University's long-term commitment to one another and supports our joint mission of excellence in cancer research, education and clinical care," said Karmanos Cancer Institute Interim President and CEO Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D., MPH.

Wayne State School of Medicine Interim Dean Valerie Parisi concurred. "This agreement demonstrates the principles of a true academic partnership," said Parisi. "Our teams worked closely to incorporate the highest standards of academic and research excellence into the final document. This has been a true collaboration, and I have the utmost respect and appreciation for the Karmanos team."

Schwartz added, "The agreement also strengthens and supports the mission of our National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center by demonstrating broad institutional support in the pursuit of excellence in cancer research. Without such a strong partnership we could not accomplish our shared goals."

"We are delighted with our growing partnership with Karmanos," said Wayne State University President Jay Noren. "This is exactly the kind of dedicated collaboration in research and clinical care that will push the boundaries of our knowledge, with the ultimate beneficiaries being the patients in our community and beyond."

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 40 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $216 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, the Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 faculty members, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, the Institute strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to karmanos.org.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students. Founded in 1868, the Wayne State University School of Medicine is the nation's largest single-campus medical school with more than 1,200 medical students. In addition to undergraduate medical education, the school offers master's degree, Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. programs in 14 areas of basic science to about 400 students annually. More than one-half of the School of Medicine's alumni remain in Michigan to practice medicine after graduation. With more than 17,000 alumni, the Wayne State University School of Medicine is among the most productive providers of excellent undergraduate and graduate medical education in the country.

Contact: Linda H. Remington, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Voice: 313-576-8614
Mobile: 313-820-1414
E-mail: remingtl@karmanos.org
Fax: 313-576-8630