State board awards $13M in research grants

The Missouri Life Sciences Research Board has awarded $13.1 million in grants to research and commercialization projects, including two in Springfield.

The board approved 14 research projects for grants totaling $10.5 million and four commercialization projects for grants totaling $2.6 million, according to a news release.

"High-tech jobs are the future of our state and our economy," Gov. Matt Blunt said in the release. "Researchers often lack funding at critical times during the development of new technology. It is vital we find ways for our state to recognize every opportunity and benefit available through new technology."

Two Springfield entities were awarded about $1.4 million in grant funds. Jordan Valley Innovation Center and Missouri State University received a three-year research grant for $825,000 for new medical materials, devices and instrumentation; and ophthalmologist Dr. Wendell Scott at St. John's Medical Institute received a one-year grant for $574,450 to commercialize iPrep: Ophthalmic Povidone-Iodine Antiseptic Formulation.