Research initiative enhances Minnesota-Wisconsin partnerships

Some of the plays in the stands at Lambeau Field were just as thrilling as those on the turf when Minnesota Vikings ownership partner and New Jersey attorney and businessman David Mandelbaum revealed a plan for a $2.5 million gift to the UW–Madison Eye Research Institute to support a joint research initiative with scientists at the University of Minnesota.

The gift was announced to Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle at halftime during Monday night’s Vikings-Packers game.

Known as the “Minnesota-Wisconsin Cancer Therapeutics Initiative,” the project’s primary goal is to improve public health through the application of molecular, biomedical and biotechnology research into the causes and treatments of melanoma, a cancer affecting the skin and eye. Researchers at UM and UW–Madison will work together to initiate a rapid, translational study of new drugs for the treatment of melanoma.

As neighboring states, Minnesota and Wisconsin have a distinguished history of collaboration, broadly ranging from student reciprocity to prescription drug reform, and from initiatives in manufacturing to agriculture.

“We truly appreciate Mr. Mandelbaum’s generosity, and his gift is truly visionary. This gift will bring the two institutions close and allow for greater collaboration,” Gov. Doyle said. “Much of what happens at the University of Wisconsin is due to thoughtful and generous people like David Mandelbaum.”

Mandelbaum’s support will bring together some of the best research minds in the world to enable rapid translation of discovery to therapy. Advances in cancer treatment will enhance not only the lives of citizens of both states, but of all people who are afflicted with this life-threatening disease. These two Midwestern universities are home to world-class research institutions housing scientists who have the insight, dedication, and skill to tackle this project.

Work at UW–Madison will be done under the auspices of the Eye Research Institute. A major aspect of the institute’s mission is to gather researchers and scholars from diverse scientific, medical and other academic backgrounds who are committed to increasing the understanding of normal vision and of eye diseases. The institute makes connections between investigators from different disciplines and universities to facilitate innovative problem solving and the rapid application of scientific findings to patient care.

Mandelbaum is an attorney with Mandelbaum & Mandelbaum, P.A., and is a General Partner of Interstate Properties, a trustee of Vornado Realty, and Director of Alexander’s, Inc. This initiative is a continuation of Mandelbaum’s generous gifts in support of the UW–Madison Eye Research Institute.