Clemson University has announced grants totaling $4 million to endow a chair in genetics research in its College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.

Jointly funded by the Self Family Foundation and the state of South Carolina, the Self Family Endowed Chair in Human Genetics will work to advance the development of novel therapeutics treating genetic disorders at the cellular level and support Clemson's expanding genetics program. In June, the university announced plans for a 17,000-square-foot research and education center that, when completed, will bolster its genetics programs and research capabilities, with the goal of identifying better treatments for chronic disorders such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease — all of which are prevalent at above national rates in South Carolina.

"Through this investment, the foundation will encourage research related to life-changing treatments, as well as diagnostic tools for genetic disorders," said Clemson president James F. Barker. "Over the long term, we will improve treatment for countless patients."