The University of Houston (UH) and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) have been awarded a $44.2 million grant from the National Center for Advancing Translational Research. This funding will support the establishment of a regional hub dedicated to advancing clinical and translational research.  Dubbed the Consortium for Translational and Precision Health (CTPH), the new hub will enhance collaboration between the two institutions and other clinical and research groups within the Texas Medical Center. The CTPH aims to expedite the translation of new technologies and discoveries into patient care and real-world impact, provide funding and resources to accelerate pilot projects and research initiatives and connect investigators with local healthcare organizations and government agencies that are dedicated to healthcare, clinical research and policy.  “Research is the engine empowering health care’s life-changing advancements,” said UH President Renu Khator, in a release. “This innovative hub will be a catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries and treatments that improve people’s quality of life. That’s what drives us at UH and we’re ecstatic to cofound a regional hub for change alongside Baylor.”  The hub will be led by BCM’s Christopher Amos, professor and director of the Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, and Dr. Fasiha Kanwal, professor of medicine and chief of the section of gastroenterology and hepatology, alongside UH’s Dr. Bettina M. Beech, clinical professor of population health and chief population health officer.  “The CTPH is a partnership that draws on strengths of both institutions, creating a rich multidisciplinary environment. It will act as the vehicle to enhance the infrastructure and resources needed to effectively conduct research and implement solutions to advance healthcare,” said Dr. Carolyn Smith, interim senior vice president and dean of research at BCM. “It will help implement and create ongoing core research activities that will support the clinical translational science at both institutions.”  This strategic partnership comes at a time when local institutions are intensifying efforts to advance critical research that will deliver vital healthcare solutions. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Rice University recently announced a collaboration to advance fundamental and translational cancer research and develop life-saving technologies. Additionally, a research initiative led by Rice University, in collaboration with MD Anderson, received an $18 million grant to improve tumor removal technology for breast, head and neck cancer.  Learn more about Houston’s Life Sciences industry. 

HOUSTON (May 2, 2024)— All metrics indicate Houston’s global economy is positioned for continued success, according to the Greater Houston Partnership’s 2024 Global Houston report. The report, which provides an analysis of the global economy and its tie to the Houston region, illustrates how Houston’s international activity in 2023 continued to set records: The Houston-Galveston Customs District continues to rank first in the country in tonnage handled (exports and imports) with over 404.7 million metric tons of goods and commodities, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2022. The Houston-Galveston Customs District ranked first in total value with $344.5 billion for the second consecutive year. Houston led the U.S. in exports, shipping more than $175.5 billion in goods and commodities. Foreign direct investment (FDI) remains strong, with an 18% increase as 52 foreign-owned companies with plans to relocate, expand or start operations, surpassing the 44 projects announced in 2022. The Houston Airport System handled 12.6 million international passengers, finally surpassing pre-COVID levels and setting a record. For the second consecutive year, international migration accounted for the largest share (37.6%) of the region’s population growth. The region attracted 52,500 migrants in 2023, an increase of more than 10% compared to 2022. According to the report, trade disputes, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions remain as global challenges in 2024. Fortunately, foreign governments recognize Houston’s pivotal role in global trade and foreign investment. "While economists expect a slightly weaker year ahead, Houston's robust ties to global markets and the ongoing growth of our major trading partners will continue to support our economy," said Partnership Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research Patrick Jankowski. "We remain confident in the strength and resilience of Houston's global economy." The Global Houston report also provides additional statistics and information about Houston’s international business ties and ranks the region’s top 20 trade partners. Top 10 Houston trade partners and the value of trade in 2023: China -- $31.8 billion, down from $32.1 billion in 2022. Mexico -- $28.7 billion, down from $32.0 billion in 2022. Netherlands -- $26.5 billion, up from $19 billion in 2022. South Korea -- $22.9 billion, down from $24.7 billion in 2022. Brazil -- $15.6 billion, down from $20.3 billion in 2022. Germany -- $15.1 billion, up from $15.0 billion in 2022. Japan -- $13.1 billion, down from $14.2 billion in 2022. United Kingdom -- $13.1 billion, down from $15.9 billion in 2022. India -- $13.0 billion, down from $15.5 billion in 2022. Singapore -- $11.4 billion, down from $14.0 billion in 2022.