The Record

WashU to develop new tools for detecting chemical warfare agent

Chemists in Arts & Sciences have received a contract from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency to develop a quicker way to detect mustard gas and prevent exposure.

WashU Medicine launches center for rare diseases

WashU Medicine has launched the Center for Rare, Undiagnosed and Genetic Diseases, which brings together researchers and patient communities to create a collaborative network to drive innovative research and accelerate drug discovery.

Allen to retire as vice chancellor and general counsel

Monica J. Allen, vice chancellor and general counsel at WashU, will retire from the university Nov. 3 after nearly 20 years of service, according to Chancellor Andrew D. Martin.

Research Wire

Benjamin Garcia, the Raymond H. Wittcoff Distinguished Professor at WashU Medicine, along with colleagues Zongtao (Tom) Lin and Dongwen Lyu, received a four-year $2.4 million grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Notables

Abram Van Engen, chair of English in Arts & Sciences, has been named the next director of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics. Van Engen has published widely on religion and literature.

Announcements

Nominate staff for Distinguished Honor Awards

Nominations are open for WashU’s Distinguished Honor Awards, which recognize staff members’ important contributions. The deadline is March 15.