Established by Mrs. Beutler in 2013, the Ernest and Bonnie Beutler Research Program of Excellence in Genomic Medicine (hereinafter, Program) will provide grants to facilitate scientific research discoveries in genomic science that will have a significant impact on our understanding of human health and disease.
As the major affiliated academic medical center for the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Rambam Health Care Campus is ideally positioned to attain the stated objectives of the Ernest and Bonnie Beutler Research Program. As Technion Faculty of Medicine members, utilizing a systems biology cross-disciplinary approach to research, Rambam’s physicians work hand-in-hand with scientists of the Technion’s facilities (including biomedical engineering, biotechnology and other life sciences, computer sciences, and other related engineering disciplines). To maximally utilize all intellectual, scientific, and academic resources in Israel, the Program is also open to other academic institutions in Israel, relying on recruitment of creative and leading scientists in the area of genomic medicine research.
The Program will support high level genomic medicine research projects conducted by teams under the scientific leadership of a highly qualified investigator for each project cycle (detailed below). “Genomic medicine” is interpreted broadly by the Program. For example, a drosophila geneticist or plant geneticist working on a highly meritorious project with relevance to human health would not be excluded from consideration. Likewise, candidates need not be medical doctors. However, their work should be demonstrably connected to human health. Awardees must be Israeli citizens currently residing and working in Israel, with backgrounds in basic research and whose proposals are based on sound scientific hypotheses. Research grants are awarded based strictly on the merit of the research proposal and evidence of outstanding career performance, without regard to race, religion, or gender.
For the purposes of administration and oversight of the Program, a Scientific Advisory Council (SAC) has been established. The SAC, comprised of renowned experts in their respective fields, is also responsible for nominating and selecting awardees. Grants are awarded periodically, according to the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Council. Grants are in the amount of $100,000 annually for five years to cover the cost of the awardee’s proposed research project. A total of 10 projects will be completed over the next 10 years. Continuation of the Program after that will rely on the vision of those who want to keep the Program going.