Dr. Julius H. Jacobson II, known as the father of microsurgery, thought he grew up in exciting medical times.

But thanks to the expanded type of work that will be done by the University of Toledo research center that now bears his name, he's convinced the best is yet to come.

"I think this next generation, with what the basic scientists will bring to our clinical scientists, will be the most exciting ever," he said in a phone interview. "I think they will solve diabetes. I think they will solve cancer."

A naming ceremony for the Joan and Julius H. Jacobson II Center for Clinical and Translational Research took place Monday at the Center for Creative Education on UT's Health Science Campus.

Dr. Jacobson, who was unable to attend, is now 81 and lives in New York City. He graduated from UT in 1947 with a degree in biology and went on to make a profound impact on the field of vascular medicine.

The idea behind the UT research center is that huge innovations can be accomplished by bringing together basic and clinical science programs. The Jacobson family's $2 million gift to the university, announced last year, allows a dramatic expansion to the center's efforts, according to officials. It also put UT past the $100 million mark during a six-year fund-raising drive, helping it achieve its goal six months ahead of schedule.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, provost and executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the college of medicine at UT, the former Medical College of Ohio, said connecting the science programs will help take innovative ideas that come from the fundamental sciences and apply them to improve medical care through drugs, medical devices, and other means.

"The idea is to try and accelerate and to focus that transition," he said.

First Published April 7, 2009, 11:11 a.m.