Dr. Deborah Fuller, the new Director of the Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC), has unveiled ambitious plans for the research center). With 14 years of experience at WaNPRC and a background in biomedical technology, Dr. Fuller brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and business acumen to her new role.
The Approach to Excellence
Dr. Fuller’s vision for WaNPRC includes:
- Affirm our identity
- Build and expand our identity through interdisciplinary consortia and collaborations
- Enhance communications between research units and between researchers & veterinary staff
- Implement strategies for long-term sustainability
- Support a culture of: Respect, Restraint, Responsibility
- Support a 3Rs culture of animal welfare: by funding new initiatives to develop refinements and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to replace and reduce the number of animals
- Increase our visibility
Highlighting WaNPRC’s Achievements
The center has made significant contributions to various research fields, including gene therapy, infectious diseases, neuroscience, and global conservation. In the past year alone, WaNPRC supported 126 grants totaling $118 million in funding and employs over 150 staff members.
Fostering Innovation Through Collaboration
Dr. Fuller plans to encourage interdisciplinary research by offering a $150,000 funding opportunity for collaborative projects between researchers from different disciplines.
Improving Animal Care and Research Synergy
The new leadership aims to enhance collaboration between researchers and animal care teams, benefiting both the animals and the research they support.
Expanding Partnerships and Funding Sources
WaNPRC will seek new partnerships and funding opportunities to improve its financial outlook and increase efficiency while reducing costs.
Addressing Misinformation
Dr. Fuller emphasizes the importance of proactively sharing the center’s successes and countering misinformation spread by animal rights extremists. As WaNPRC embarks on this new chapter, Dr. Fuller invites readers to stay tuned for monthly updates on the center’s progress towards achieving its ambitious goals.
