From the Vollum Institute's 2002-2004 Biennial Report:

New research space on the campus of the Oregon Health & Science University is providing the Vollum Institute with an unprecedented opportunity to expand. The recruitments of several Vollum scientists to leadership positions in new OHSU programs, the Center for the Study of Weight Regulation and the Cancer and Cell Signaling Center, will allow multiple new appointments. Another faculty member’s move to a chairmanship back East opened another position, which we expect to fill by the summer of 2005. In addition, several joint recruitments with Neurology as well as the new centers are being contemplated.

These events pave the way for the largest infusion of new faculty since the early 1990s. At this exciting juncture, the institute faculty, with the help of academic leaders from OHSU, will need to address several key questions. First, what scientific areas hold the most promise over the next decade? Which of these areas can the Vollum take on and which can be tackled by the university? Second, should the Vollum grow and, if so, should this occur through primary appointments or joint recruitments with existing departments? Third, should we recalibrate our guidelines for faculty promotions? Fourth, how can we prolong our scientists’ productivity? Finally, do we have the optimal financial model for continued success?

To help take on these issues, I have asked Gary Westbrook to become the institute co-director. This is a new position for the Vollum that should allow us to take advantage of his widely-acknowledged leadership and organizational skills. For the first time in many years, we can shape our future rather than simply adapt to changes around us. Perhaps our greatest asset in facing this challenge is the shared value system that we have developed and cultivated over the past 15 years, one that places significance on research accomplishments above all other criteria. With this system in hand, I am confident that we will make the most of our opportunities.

Richard H. Goodman, Director

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