Memphians still pushing for slice of TN research buildup

Memphis lawmakers and University of Memphis president Shirley Raines yesterday proposed to Gov. Phil Bredesen a Memphis Research Consortium for inclusion in a higher education bill under debate in the state legislature. Memphians had protested so much emphasis being placed on new roles for UT, and the omission of Memphis institutions that Bredesen has long encouraged. The consortium would include the U of M, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, FedEx Corp., Methodist Le Bonheur Health Care System, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp., Memphis Bioworks Foundation, Smith & Nephew, Wright Medical Technology Inc. and Medtronic Sofamor Danek. The CA reported Bredesen was described as "receptive."