Two university leaders in Kansas say they're opposed to a reduction in funding for the Kansas Bioscience Authority. The KBA’s state funding was reduced in recent years after revelations of mismanagement by the former head of the organization. Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz says the KBA helped attract a federal animal disease research lab that is being built in Manhattan. He says the organization has also helped attract high-quality university staff and bioscience research to K-State.
University of Kansas Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little says the KBA also helped KU achieve a National Cancer Institute designation last year. The KBA invests tax dollars to help foster new companies in the bioscience and life science industries.