A paper outlining the unique collaboration of 10 higher education institutions in Kansas and northern Oklahoma, including Wichita State University, was published in the latest issue of Advances in Physiology Education, a professional journal of the American Physiological Society dedicated to the advancement of physiological research.

The paper details the Kansas-IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence’s (K-INBRE) annual research symposium, including the collaborative experience it provides, its impact on student learning and how it has influenced the research culture at the 10 participating institutions. It is available at physiology.org.

Members of K-INBRE include WSU, University of Kansas Medical Center, Langston University, Emporia State University, Haskell Indian Nations University, Washburn University, Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas and Kansas State University.

The K-INBRE annual statewide research symposium began in 2003 and now hosts more than 300 yearly participants, providing national speakers and a forum for undergraduates to present research. It provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain experience in collecting, preparing, and communicating research in a professional environment.

“The K-INBRE program, and especially the annual research symposium, provide unique opportunities for a very large cohort of Wichita State students,” said William Hendry, professor and department chair, WSU biological sciences. “Every year since 2003, I have observed that all the student attendees return with a remarkably enhanced confidence and urge to stay engaged in research activities.”

K-INBRE is an infrastructure-building program funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to support undergraduate education especially through research. It has assisted 1,000 student participants in 16 years. Learn more about K-INBRE at http://www.k-inbre.org/.

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