Federal stimulus worth $61.1M so far for U-M researchers

The federal stimulus package is turning out to be a good thing for the University of Michigan. The university has nailed down 159 research grants from the stimulus fund, totaling $61.1 million.

Most of those grants (113) are focused on healthcare in one way or another. That means they are supporting efforts like cancer research and vaccine studies. It also means even more cash for the U-M Medical School to train new researchers.

"It allows us to add more hands in the laboratory," says Steve Kunkel, senior associate dean for research at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Other projects the grants are funding include ultra-energy-efficient computers and the next generation of rechargeable batteries. One of the big-ticket items is $19.5 million for research and development of solar cells.

The federal stimulus package, worth $787 billion, still has some dry powder (funding) left. More research grants are expected to be announced later this year.

Source: Steve Kunkel, senior associate dean for research at the University of Michigan Medical School
Writer: Jon Zemke