Local News in Brief : Irvine : Beckman Foundation Gives Clinic $1.5 Million
The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation of Corona del Mar has pledged $1.5 million to a UC Irvine laser-research facility named in their honor.
The $1.5 million will be used by the Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic at UCI to attract additional research scientists, university officials said.
“This gift from the Beckman Foundation is particularly meaningful at this stage of development in laser research,” said Dr. Michael Berns, professor of surgery and director of the institute.
“Laser bio-technology is developing through an integrated approach to problem-solving that calls for physicians, biologists, engineers, physicists, chemists and other specialists to work together to solve common problems in the field. This gift will allow us to recruit key people.”
The institute, established at UCI in 1982, has pioneered laser detection and treatment of cancers, reshaping of the cornea of eyes and destruction of stones in the ureter and gallbladder. The facility is considered unique in the nation in that it combines laser research and clinical treatment.
University officials said the $1.5-million pledge by the Beckman Foundation brings the total amount of private funds raised for the institute to about $15 million.
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