Department of Anesthesiology Receives Major Funding for Innovative Research as Part of RAC Grand Challenge
The University of Utah’s Remote and Austere Conditions (RAC) Grand Challenge has awarded a significant total of $350,000 to two pioneering research projects from the Department of Anesthesiology.
Derek Sakata’s team, including Joseph Orr, secured $150,000 for their groundbreaking proposal to develop a system for treating traumatic pain using inhaled Remifentanil and inhaled Remimazolam. This funding represents 84% of the requested amount, demonstrating strong support for their innovative approach.
In addition, Kai Kuck’s team, with Natalie Silverton and Ali Ramezani, received $200,000 for their project aimed at creating an advanced risk detection system for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). This award constitutes 80% of the requested funds and highlights the project's potential impact.
The Department of Anesthesiology received more than one-third of the total $1M awarded across nine funded projects. These projects are supported by a diverse, interdisciplinary group of experts from across the University of Utah.
The RAC Grand Challenge, initiated by the Vice-President for Research Office, focuses on funding research that addresses the unique challenges faced in remote and austere environments. These environments, characterized by limited resources and harsh conditions, are prevalent in the intermountain region, which spans a vast and diverse geographical area.
With these awards, the University of Utah continues to lead in developing novel solutions to enhance safety and well-being in challenging environments, reflecting our commitment to innovative research and community impact.
