UTSA and UTHSCSA ink life sciences institute pact

(Dec. 1, 2003)--Ricardo Romo, president of The University of Texas at San Antonio and Francisco Cigarroa, president of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), signed an agreement Monday that provides governing guidelines for the new San Antonio Life Sciences Institute (SALSI), an initiative to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions and enhance their research, teaching and service missions.

Pictured from left to right are UTSA President Ricardo Romo, UTHSCSA President Francisco Cigarroa, UT System Regent Cyndi Taylor Krier, Rep. Robert Puente and Sen. Leticia Van de Putte. All five signed the documents authorizing the joint research efforts.

In a ceremony at UTHSCSA, Romo and Cigarroa recognized Van de Putte and Puente, members of the Bexar County legislative delegation who authored Texas H.B. 1716 and companion bill S.B. 728 during the 77th legislative session. The legislation authorized creation of SALSI.

"We are grateful to be partners with the Health Science Center and grateful to have such outstanding legislators who represent Bexar County and surrounding areas," said Romo. "They have come through time and again for education and research in San Antonio."

"The entire Bexar County delegation supported the effort, and we thank each member," said Cigarroa. "We especially commend Sen. Van de Putte and Rep. Puente, who with great vision and determination championed the establishment of the San Antonio Life Sciences Institute."

SALSI will have no employees on its payroll. All persons participating in the institute will be employees of either UTHSCSA or UTSA. The primary revenue sources for SALSI projects will be externally funded grants and contracts.

Additional sources may include direct appropriations from the Texas Legislature, Congressional set-asides, the University of Texas System Board of Regents and private contributions. Federal and state legislative special-item requests for SALSI will be submitted jointly by UTHSCSA and UTSA.

Initial SALSI funding of $4.5 million for operating expenses is from the universities ($1 million each) and the UT System ($2.5 million). UTSA will committ $2 million from its Lutcher Brown endowment to support two faculty members who will have joint appointments at the two institutions.