Boston, Mass – Tufts University will bring biomedical science, nutritional research and public policy together in a new $60 million research facility hailed as a world's first. The Jaharis Family Center for Biomedical and Nutritional Research will be an international catalyst for the prevention, treatment and cure of some of the world's most devastating diseases. The center will also address implications of hunger and poverty on nutrition and health policy, thanks to a multi-million grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

   "It is so important to be able to bring together biomedical research, nutritional research and public policy -- and to do it under one roof is terrific," said Wendy Baldwin, deputy director for extramural research at the National Institute of Health. "More and more we at NIH are looking for effective collaborations to address contemporary health issues, and this is an example of the kind of infrastructure that it takes to make that happen."

   "A lot of eyes are focused on this facility worldwide," said University President John DiBiaggio, citing the interest of the USDA, NIH and the National Science Foundation. Massachusetts' top political leaders are interested as well.

   Sen. Edward Kennedy described the center as "an inspiring new step in Tufts' impressive leadership in these issues," while Boston's Mayor Thomas M. Menino cited Tufts' international profile in nutrition research and public policy as an asset to the city's considerable reputation for medical research and treatment.

   DiBiaggio said he expects the approximately $120 million in annual research currently underway at Tufts and its affiliated hospitals will grow considerably as the impact of the collaboration generated among colleagues at this new research facility becomes apparent. Construction of the new Tufts University research facility, which will be nine stories high, will begin this fall and it is expected to be ready for occupancy in two years.