Beacon Health System and the University of Notre Dame announced a new, multiyear research collaboration.
Beacon and Notre Dame will jointly develop health-focused research projects of interest to both organizations, particularly in the areas of oncology and health data. Notre Dame will lead research efforts. Beacon will be responsible for indirect and direct clinical care. The agreement enables researchers and clinicians to exchange project-related data.
“Beacon’s strength has always been its deep commitment to the communities we serve, and this partnership with Notre Dame amplifies that commitment,” said Mark Brett, Beacon Health System chief operating officer, in a press release. “By partnering with Notre Dame’s research expertise, we can translate the latest scientific discoveries into improved treatments and care protocols while gaining deeper insights into the unique health needs of our community.”
A key goal of the agreement is to create significant impact within the organizations and in the community. The collaboration aims to drive innovation in patient care, as well as disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. It will enable the recruitment of academics with interests in clinical research and physicians with interests in academic research, creating a pipeline to bring talent to the Region. The agreement will also provide workforce development opportunities for physicians and researchers.
“This collaboration is a critical step in closing the gap between academic research and clinical care in our region,” Jeffrey Rhoads, John and Catherine Martin Family vice president for research at Notre Dame, said. “We are proud to deepen our existing relationship with Beacon Health System and formalize a structure for research collaboration to ensure that our local community continues to benefit directly.”
The Harper Cancer Research Institute at Notre Dame and Beacon are in the process of hiring a chief of oncology and associate director for clinical and community research, which will be a joint appointment between the institutions.
The new agreement builds on the existing relationship between Notre Dame Athletics and Beacon, which supports health and wellness in the local community. Beacon and Notre Dame have also worked together on research projects, including improving trauma patient care, optimizing neonatal intensive care unit design, developing innovative spinal surgery technology and enhancing postpartum health outcomes.
