Yerkes is one of only eight research centers in the country designated by the National Institutes of Health as a national primate research resource, which makes it a leader in essential basic and translational research. The groundbreaking discoveries being made at Yerkes depend on the advanced knowledge and dedication of Yerkes researchers and staff, who are as committed to scientific discovery and the education of students as they are to the highest quality care of animals.
Thanks to its extensive nonhuman primate colony, Yerkes’ collaborative studies start with basic research with animals and lead to translational research that can be applied directly to humans. Yerkes is one of the few research facilities in the country where researchers can study the genetic similarities between humans and monkeys. This unique opportunity helps them untangle complex relationships between genetics and the environment to determine how each contributes to human health and to disease.
With your support, endowed research chairs will help Yerkes further such innovative science and attract and retain world-renowned researchers who focus on national health priorities research. Yerkes also is committed to sharing its research information and scientific discoveries with the community. Yerkes employees actively seek opportunities to serve as educational resources through speaking engagements, classroom participation, and special events. Yerkes staff share details about the center’s animal colony management, which is central to its mission and safeguards the health and well-being of the animals.
Yerkes ensures genetic diversity among its animal colonies in order to conduct the most accurate research into transplantation, vaccines, and other medical treatments in which genetic profiles of animals are key. Expansion and improvement of facilities at Yerkes will help continue recruitment of top-tier research faculty, provide catalyzing research environments for researchers and students, and give the best care to its animals, which are the foundation of basic and translational research programs.
Making people healthier through scientific discovery is but one example of what Yerkes can achieve through innovative research. The basic science Yerkes researchers do targets the world’s most critical human-health research priorities by answering key biological and behavioral questions. These answers are helping researchers develop vaccines, find treatments for drug addiction, and understand the aging process more thoroughly. Even with this tremendous progress, there is so much more to be learned on the path toward improved human health. Yerkes researchers are ready to take the next steps, but your support is critical to continuing the process of discovery. By partnering with Yerkes, you can help protect human health and help Yerkes continue to make discoveries that will improve the lives of all people.
