Faculty members at The University of Texas at Dallas received five of the 94 research grants recently awarded statewide by The Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s largest sources of private funding for basic chemical research. “Chemistry has a long history of support from The Welch Foundation, but five new grants is unprecedented and speaks to the quality of our faculty,” said Dr. Kenneth Balkus, department head and professor of chemistry whose own research is supported in part by the foundation. “In particular, our young faculty have established a strong record of funding, and this recognition by The Welch Foundation further validates their research efforts.”The five new awards bring to 13 the number of active Welch Foundation research grants held by UT Dallas faculty members. Since its inception in 1954, the Houston-based foundation has contributed nearly $1.1 billion to the advancement of chemistry through research grants, departmental grants, endowed chairs and support for other chemistry-related programs in Texas. “Funding from The Welch Foundation is a valuable resource to Texas institutions.