Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate recently formed a research partnership that will allow researchers to pitch ideas for new projects to a panel of judges in order to receive grant funding. A donation from a member of the SU Board of Trustees will provide the program with $500,000 to start off.

However, earlier this summer, the two universities were at the center of controversy after SUNY Upstate officials wrote to Chancellor Kent Syverud that the veteran-focused medical school that SU is exploring would harm Upstate and create competition for patients.