MMINNEAPOLIS (AP) innesota’s two leading medical research institutions have proposed an alliance aimed at making the state a leader in bioscience research. The proposal, which has been sent to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, would create the Minnesota Biotechnology and Genomics Centers – one each at the University and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Both institutions hope to obtain seed money from the state, although the amount is not clear. It would be less than the $80 million the Mayo Clinic said last year it needed for genomics research, said Dr. Hugh Smith, chairman of board of governors for Mayo’s Rochester clinic. A spokesperson for the University’s Academic Health Center said Thursday they are excited about the endeavor, but securing funds for the Translational Research Facility and reducing state budget cuts still rank as higher priorities.

– Daily staff contributed to this report.