Earlier this year, the James H. Cummings Foundation provided the lead gift of $300,000 toward HWI’s new Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center, which is currently under development. The gift was the largest awarded by the foundation in 2019. In recognition of the award, HWI will dedicate the James H. Cummings Visitor Center as part of the new center when it opens in 2020.
“The partnership between the James H. Cummings Foundation and Hauptmann-Woodward Medical Research Institute stretches over five decades,” said Dr. Edward Snell, CEO, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute. “During our 63-year history, the Cummings Foundation has generously supported HWI in every effort to bring new, cutting-edge technology and discoveries to Western New York. Our new Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center continues not only the important strides HWI continues to make in medical research and discovery, but does so, once again, with the steadfast support of the Cummings Foundation as our lead donor. We are proud to recognize their invaluable partnership in this way.”
“One of the foci of the James H. Cummings Foundation is medical research. This new venture of HWI will allow for the type of cutting edge technology necessary to enhance research and improve health care for so many people in or community and beyond. We are pleased to partner with HWI once again.” Mary Jo Hunt, Executive Director of James H. Cummings Foundation
HWI is preparing to install its first high-powered cryo-electron microscope later this year. The microscope flash-freezes proteins in motion and then uses beams of electrons to visualize what those proteins look like. This allows scientists and researchers to more quickly develop life-saving pharmaceuticals. The installation of this microscope, which will be the first of its kind in Western New York, will be a magnet to recruit top research scientists and attract new employers to the region.
In addition to the new center, HWI is also employing breakthrough sustainable energy technology to support the new microscope. Because the microscope has an extremely high energy demand, HWI will use an on-site lithium storage device to help power the center. The storage technology, developed by Buffalo-based Viridi Parente, will help HWI realize cost savings by lowering electricity demand and reducing costly infrastructure upgrades. It will also provide the center with a clean electrical supply. This will be the first such application of the Lithium-based energy storage technology in New York State.
About Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute
Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute’s work improves human health by studying the causes of diseases, as well as potential therapies, at their basic molecular level. HWI is a founding member of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and resides in a state-of-the-art research facility at 700 Ellicott Street. For more information, visit hwi.buffalo.edu.
About The James H. Cummings Foundation
The James H. Cummings Foundation is a charitable, not-for-profit corporation organized in New York State in July, 1962 for the purpose of complying with certain provisions in the will of its founder and namesake. Admired for his unassuming manner, friendly demeanor, and quiet generosity, Cummings was dedicated to giving back to the communities he once called home. The foundation’s focus is on funding not-for-profits making strides in medical research, science and post-secondary education in Buffalo, Toronto, and Hendersonville, North Carolina.
Media Contact:
Lisa LaTrovato, Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute
p: 716.898.8624