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. 

A project aims to increase Houston’s walkability by transforming seven blocks in downtown into a car-free, pedestrian-friendly destination. The project, dubbed More Space: Main Street 2.0, will extend Main Street from Commerce to Rusk and add four additional blocks from Rusk to Allen’s Landing, bringing the area to span a total of 11 blocks. This expansion will permanently block off traffic to the area, creating a promenade where people can safely eat, shop and gather.  Click to expand Originally launched as a response to support local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the More Space: Main Street 2.0 project initially enabled businesses to utilize roadway space for outdoor dining while people enjoyed expanded walking areas. The program’s popularity led the Houston City Council to formally approve its permanent implementation in 2023, with the goal of attracting more visitors to the area.  Click to expand Spearheaded by Downtown Houston+, the project is currently in its final design and engineering stages, which include plans for new safety crossings, shaded social areas, landscaping and public art installations. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025 and expected to finish ahead of the city’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches.  "The Main Street Promenade is a transformative project defining the next chapter of Main Street and Downtown," Mayor John Whitmire said in a news release, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. "I am excited about the City's future, including downtown, where we are designing a destination that attracts more people to work, live and play."  More Space: Main Street 2.0 is just one of several initiatives underway aimed at improving walkability in Houston. Another project, East Blocks, led by real estate developers Pagewood and Wile Interests, will convert warehouses in East Downtown into a walkable 10-block mixed-use district. Additionally, The Plant, a 17-acre mixed-use district, will revamp the historic streets of Second Ward, establishing a pedestrian-friendly district lined with a diverse mix of restaurants and shops.  Discover more about living in Houston.