"The Hormel Institute’s scientific development continues.

Saturday, April 14, 2001

"The Hormel Institute’s scientific development continues."

It will continue to move forward when the man responsible for those words, Dr. Harald H.O. Schmid leaves his post as the institute’s director this summer.

For now, Schmid prefers to discuss progress and accomplishments in scientific research at the institute.

He detailed how the institute is evolving in the facility’s latest annual report and also confirmed that he will leave his post later this year.

According to Schmid, the institute’s research emphasis on the biochemistry, biophysics and nutrition of lipids has evolved into the molecular and cell biology of cell signaling systems.

Because cell signaling can involve lipid-derived second messengers, the traditional lipid research theme of the institute will remain in place, but will represent only part of the institute’s new overall program.

The new emphasis on molecular and cellular biology has made it possible to center the institute’s research programs on the biological processes involved in carcinogenesis.

That’s how Schmid, professor and executive director of the institute, described the evolution of scientific research going on at the Austin-based institute.

"Cancer research at the Hormel Institute already has found major financial supporters from the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, American Institute for Cancer Research, the Rochester Eagles Cancer Telethon and other organizations," Schmid said. "It also has benefited from a growing number of highly talented investigators."

Only last year, Dr. Yiguo Zhang came to the institute from Henan Medical University in Zhangxhou, China.

In addition, Dr. Ann M. Bode from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore., Dr. Guangming Liu from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, and Dr. Akira Kaji from Hokuriku University, Kanazawa, Japan, also joined the institute.

This bolsters the stellar roster of research scientists at the institute.

Also, promotions recognized the accomplishments and contributions of others, including Dr. Zigang Dong, who was promoted to professor.

Schmid also said the institute has dealt with the death of a an "old friend and colleague," Donald Sand, who died of lung cancer last July after a career spanning 38 years.

The institute also concluded its relationship with the commercial biotechnology companies that had leased laboratory space in the animal research facility.

The institute not only received necessary income from a five-year lease, but the presence of Natural Biologics Inc. and its pilot plant helped stimulate industrial development in the Austin-Albert Lea area, according to Schmid.

The institute continues to fulfill its role as a scientific and technology resource for Austin and the surrounding communities. The services include affordable Internet access through Southern Minnesota Internet Group, which has more than 7,000 subscribers and recently has added fiberoptic cable service.

Schmid said the recent scientific and technological developments have provided additional income and financial security for the institute.

However, he also believes, "It will be a major challenge to use the current momentum for further progress and scientific expansion.

"The recent improvements in the institute’s physical plant, acquisition of major scientific instruments and organizational restructuring have made it possible to plan the hiring of new faculty and, thus, the addition of new programs," he said.

Schmid also made public his decision to step down as director in June.

He will turn over his leadership role to Dr. Zigang Dong, head of the institute’s cellular and molecular biology section.

Schmid singled out Richard L. Knowlton, the former chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Hormel Foods Corp. and currently chairman of the Hormel Foundation’s board of directors, for "his personal interest and support and for making arrangements that will help to guide the Hormel Institute into a bright future."

Call Lee Bonorden at 434-2232 or e-mail him at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com.