Kaganov Research Initiative in Pulmonary Medicine

Overview

The Kaganov Research Initiative in Pulmonary Medicine and Engineering was established by a generous gift from Dr. Alan and Carol Kaganov in 2017. The goal of the initiative is to advance the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of pulmonary diseases by fostering robust collaborations between engineers and physicians to conduct research that focuses directly on or has relevance to lung function and diseases, especially pulmonary fibrosis.

“There’s potential across the entire spectrum of pulmonary disease to get to the next level of available therapies through increased funding and focus. From earlier diagnosis and better technologies to improved treatments and outcomes, we want to help advance every step along the way.”

—Dr. Alan Kaganov, 1938-2019 

To advance these objectives, the Kaganov Initiative funds collaborative research between the Pratt School of Engineering and the Duke School of Medicine.

In addition to funding opportunities, the Kaganov Initiative holds symposia to highlight Duke’s ongoing efforts to combat pulmonary diseases.

The initiative also brings invited speakers to Duke who are experts in lung diseases, lung biomechanics, therapeutic interventions, and lung development and regeneration. Previous partners in the seminar series include Duke Cell Biology and Duke Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine.

If you have a suggestion for a seminar speaker for the Kaganov Research Initiative, contact Donna Crenshaw.

Dr. Kaganov passed away at age 80 on February 2, 2019, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Over the course of his career, Kaganov was granted 15 U.S. patents and helped develop treatments for conditions including heart, peripheral vasculature, spine and urologic disease. His many roles have included project engineer, research and development director, CEO, and board chairman. For 20 years, he was a successful venture capitalist in health care. He also served on the Pratt School’s Board of Visitors and was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2005.

>>Funding Opportunities

>>Funded Projects

>>Kaganov Research Initiative Seminars

>>Kaganov Symposia

>>Learn more about Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)