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Vanandel Institute urges continued $1.5M state support for life‑science research in Grand Rapids
Summary
Representatives for the Vanandel Institute told a House appropriations subcommittee that a proposed $1.5 million state investment supports biomedical research, clinical trials and equipment purchases that the institute says have attracted grants, investigators and industry investment to Grand Rapids.
Steve Martin, legislative director for Representative Glennville, opened testimony to the House appropriations committee on behalf of the Vanandel Institute, saying the institute “was founded 30 years ago” and has become “a cornerstone of the medical mile in Grand Rapids.” Martin asked the committee to continue state support, describing a proposed $1.5 million investment.
Dr. Jonathan L., president and chief scientific officer of the Vanandel Institute, told the committee the independent nonprofit runs 40 laboratories and employs about 600 people. “We’re home to 40 laboratories and 600 dedicated employees,” he said, and he described the institute as a “world leader in cancer epigenetics” with research programs in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other disorders.
Dr. Jonathan L. outlined how state funds have been used to recruit investigators, secure competitive federal grants and to buy specialized equipment. He said the institute is using funds to secure a cryo‑electron microscope—“one of only eight such instruments in the United States”—to study neuronal structure for neurodegenerative disease research and to help recruit early‑career investigators.
In response to a question from Rep. Robinson about research outcomes, Dr. Jonathan L. cited examples of translational work: a developing blood test for pancreatic cancer now in clinical validation and clinical studies testing combinations of drugs and immune‑modulating approaches. He said those projects are progressing from laboratory validation into clinical trials.
Committee members pressed for brevity because of a full agenda; the panel did not take a vote during the hearing. The institute’s testimony emphasized that state support acts as a multiplier to attract federal grants and private investment, while institute leaders said the grant revenue has grown substantially over the past decade.
