Breakthroughs in human health do not happen by chance. They grow from the dedication of researchers, the curiosity of students and the generosity of those who believe in the power of science to make lives better. At UTSA, these forces have come together in extraordinary ways.
Throughout Be Bold: A Campaign for Our Future, UTSA has accelerated its momentum as a research university by investing in the people, places and programs driving innovation in health. From pioneering new understandings of Alzheimer’s disease to creating hands-on opportunities in pharmaceutical research, the university is turning knowledge into impact — and preparing the next generation of scientists to do the same.
A New Era for Brain Health
One of the clearest examples of progress is the evolution of the UTSA Brain Health Consortium, which has grown into a nationally recognized center of excellence.
“Since the launch of the Be Bold campaign, the Brain Health Consortium has undergone a major transformation,” says George Perry, Semmes Foundation Distinguished University Chair in Neurobiology. “It has expanded to include researchers from across the university and welcomed several new faculty members. We’ve also earned recognition from the National Institutes of Health and are emerging as one of the country’s leading centers of excellence in neuroscience.”
With support from the Semmes Foundation, Lowe Foundation and Kleberg Foundation, Perry’s team has uncovered surprising new insights into Alzheimer’s disease. Their research suggests that amyloid plaques, which scientists have long blamed as the cause of Alzheimer’s, may be part of the brain’s natural defense system. Instead of triggering damage, these plaques might help reduce stress in brain cells. For patients and caregivers, this shift in understanding could open the door to entirely new approaches that focus on supporting brain health rather than simply removing the plaques.
“This was a huge surprise for us,” Perry says. “Instead of causing the disease, they’re actually protective responses. Our studies are always focused on how to make patients better and we are making significant progress in doing just that.”
Global Collaboration with Local Impact
A defining moment in UTSA’s rise as a leader in brain health research came in 2018 when James Truchard, cofounder and retired president and CEO of National Instruments, committed a major gift to establish the Oskar Fischer Project. The effort challenged scientists around the world to review decades of Alzheimer’s research and propose bold new theories about what causes the disease.
The project culminated in the awarding of the Oskar Fischer Prizes in 2022, the largest prizes of their kind focused on Alzheimer’s research. Leading experts from across the globe were recognized for their groundbreaking ideas, positioning UTSA as a convening force in global brain health innovation.
“I’m confident the work of these brilliant laureates, coupled with UTSA’s collaborative transdisciplinary approaches in brain health, will lead to breakthrough solutions to deepen our understanding of this disease and improve human health,” says Jenny Hsieh, director of the Brain Health Consortium and Semmes Foundation Distinguished Chair in Cell Biology.
Expanding Discovery Through Pharmaceutical Research
UTSA’s commitment to advancing health extends far beyond neuroscience. Support from the Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Fund helped expand the university’s pharmaceutical research capabilities by establishing the Preclinical Pharmacology Core at the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery (CIDD), a joint venture between UTSA and UT Health San Antonio. The gift also supported Young Investigator Awards for early-career faculty focused on high-impact drug development.
“It was the missing link in San Antonio’s drug-discovery ecosystem,” says Doug Frantz, former Voelcker Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and co-founder of the center. “We’re now able to move promising compounds further along the path toward real-world treatments.”
Fueling Student Research Across Disciplines
These research advancements are paired with growing opportunities for students across disciplines. With continued campaign support, UTSA doctoral researchers are leading studies in neuroscience, regenerative medicine and other vital fields. These hands-on experiences are helping students launch careers in biomedical science while building the university’s reputation for cutting-edge research.
Undergraduate students are also benefiting from this momentum. With additional support from the Voelcker Fund, UTSA launched a summer research program in pharmaceutical chemistry that provides financial assistance and intensive lab training for students across South Texas. The program is building a strong pipeline of scientific talent and encouraging more students to pursue careers in human health.
“The growth of research at UTSA is transformative for the community in several ways,” Perry says. “Whether you’re an undergraduate or a doctoral student, there is first-class education at UTSA that mirrors any other place in the world. And in terms of therapeutics, our discoveries are laying the groundwork for new treatments that could directly improve lives.”
A Bold Vision Realized
The achievements of the past several years reflect UTSA’s remarkable transformation — and demonstrate the long-term impact of the campaign’s bold vision. In 2021, UTSA was designated a Carnegie R1 university, joining the ranks of the nation’s top research institutions. This milestone affirmed the university’s growing investment in research infrastructure, faculty excellence and innovation across disciplines.
As Perry reflected, this moment is just the beginning.
“It’s the donors that have made this possible,” he says. “From funding for buildings to gifts for graduate studies and endowed chairs, all of it is making UTSA a great university, and it will be even greater in the future.”
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