The Joint Life Sciences Initiative

In 2001, UTSA and the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) presented a joint proposal to the Texas Legislature to help lay the groundwork for the collaborative research activities outlined in the present proposal.  Recognizing the benefits of collaborating on health research, UTSA and UTHSCSA developed the framework for a joint life sciences institute. The purpose of this institute is to initiate, coordinate, and administer research and teaching collaborations between the two institutions. The plan was approved by the Texas state legislature on May 17, 2001. Texas House Bill 1716 authorizes the establishment and operation of the San Antonio Life Science Institute—a joint venture between UTSA and UTHSCSA. The bill provides an outline of the role and scope of the Institute that includes the following:

1. The Institute shall specialize in research and teaching in the life sciences.

2. The Institute shall develop joint degree programs and joint research programs.

3. The Institute may develop or use land, building, equipment, facilities, and other improvement in connection with the program.

4. The Board of Regents may make joint appointments of faculty or other personnel to the Institute and to either or both UTSA and UTHSCSA.

Although the Life Science Institute was approved during the 2001 legislative sessions, no funds were allocated at that time because of harsh budgetary constraints on the Texas Legislature.  However, on a more positive note, partial funding was provided in the 2003 budget and several of the proposed collaborative activities are now underway.