Last week, the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) hosted its annual dinner honoring members of the Scripps Society, which recognizes supporters of CRI who have made contributions of $1 million or more.

The Society is named in honor of Debbie and Ric Scripps, whose board leadership, volunteering, and philanthropy have benefitted Children’s Medical Center for more than 30 years.

Dr. Sean Morrison, Director of CRI, briefed the attendees on progress since last year and introduced the lead scientists who have been recruited since he arrived in 2011.  The five leaders have already won over $8 million in national research grants and ten more leaders will be recruited over the next few years.

Overall since its inception, CRI has attracted $37 million in competitive research funding, an exceptional figure for a new institute.