Mayo-UWL Seed Grant Program paving the way for impactful research

Posted 12:44 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024

Mayo-UWL Seed Grant Program paving the way for impactful research

For the past five years, two top organizations in their respective industries have joined forces to better serve the community.

Through a partnership established in 2019, UW-La Crosse and Mayo Clinic Health System have been collaborating on joint research initiatives that are preparing the next generation of scientists, innovators and healthcare providers - while working to address needs and improve health outcomes across the Coulee Region.

The Mayo Clinic and UWL Seed Grant Program has provided funding for collaborative research projects related to the application of artificial intelligence, the improvement of mammography screening, characterization of metastatic breast cancer, understanding of the mechanisms underlying long COVID syndrome, the prevention of injury among tactical athletes, and other areas of human health.

As the agreement enters its final year, leaders from both organizations say it has had a transformative impact.

"Mayo Clinic Health System-Wisconsin and UWL regard our strategic research partnership as a foundational cornerstone and one of the chief priorities of our regional research programs," says Dr. Erik K. St. Louis, a neurologist and the chair of Research and Scholarship in Wisconsin for Mayo Clinic Health System. "Through our partnership, we have created novel team science collaborations involving faculty investigators across our campuses that will advance crucial regional public health priorities and the well-being of people living in the Coulee Region. We are eager to continue the growth of our strong collaborative relationship."

Equally important as the collection of data and the pursuit of knowledge has been the experiential impact on students.

The chance to conduct real research alongside skilled professionals is a rare and valuable opportunity in higher education - one that is setting up students for successful careers, and further developing Wisconsin's workforce in the critical fields of science and health.

"The collaborative partnership between Mayo Clinic Health System-Wisconsin and UWL has created important research opportunities for UWL faculty and students," says Ju Kim, dean of UWL's College of Science & Health. "Through their participation in faculty research supported by the Mayo Clinic Health System-UWL Seed Grant program, our students have the chance to develop practical scientific skills from hands-on learning and research experiences by applying what they have learned in the classroom. This also opens up internship opportunities. These are part of experiential learning opportunities at UWL, helping our students make a seamless transition to become professionals in their chosen field."

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