Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Regional Chamber has extended its congratulations to Henry Ford Health and Michigan State University on the groundbreaking of the Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences Research Center. This facility, located in Detroit, aims to create economic opportunities and redefine health and well-being for the city. It will also house the Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute, supported by the Gilbert Family Foundation and NF Forward.

The research center is part of a larger $3 billion development initiative, Future of Health: Detroit, supported by Henry Ford Health, the Detroit Pistons, and Michigan State University. The project contributes to expanding Detroit's innovation landscape, aligning with initiatives like Innovate Michigan announced at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference.

The Chamber has been a long-time supporter of this project. Marnita Harris, Vice President of Racial Justice and Economic Equity at the Chamber, testified before the City Council in favor of the project and its tax incentives.

R.J. King from DBusiness Magazine reported that work on the $335 million research facility began in late May. This facility marks a significant milestone in the 30-year partnership between Henry Ford Health and MSU.

Kevin M. Guskiewicz, president of MSU, stated: “When Michigan State and Henry Ford first embarked on this partnership, we knew and believed in what was possible.” He highlighted that their unified health sciences research program now includes the top-funded women’s health research program in the nation.

Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, expressed his enthusiasm for future collaborative achievements within this state-of-the-art research center.

Located near the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, this new facility will feature seven stories of laboratory space dedicated to cancer, neuroscience, immunology, hypertension research among others. It aims to recruit top researchers nationwide.

The Nick Gilbert Neurofibromatosis Research Institute (NGNRI) will be a key component of this center. Named after Dan and Jennifer Gilbert's late son Nick Gilbert, NGNRI focuses on researching neurofibromatosis (NF), a rare genetic disorder causing tumors along nerve pathways. The Gilberts have invested over $125 million into NF research through their foundation.

Dan Gilbert remarked: “Nick fought this terrible disease his entire life... We are enormously proud...to stand alongside so many passionate partners who share in our commitment to eradicate this disease.”

Local leaders have praised these efforts for addressing health disparities and improving healthcare access while creating jobs. Mayor Mike Duggan commented: “Detroiters deserve the very best medical treatment...this beautiful new facility will play an important role in closing the gap in health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, and income.”

For more information about this project visit henryfordmsu.org/research.