The Medical Center of the Rockies is embarking on what could be a very promising expedition:

It is hoping to transform itself into a world-class research center, developing drugs, therapies and devices in a variety of areas including neurology and obesity.

Medical advances that can help improve our well-being and cut the costs of illness to society are, of course, welcome.

With federal funding in short supply, MCR's grant-application writers won't have it easy. But public support of research has long yielded a solid return on investment and we hope MCR can get its fair share.

The Association of American Medical Colleges in November put out a report acknowledging that the full economic benefits of research are difficult to quantify, and not always well understood.

It commissioned Tripp Umbach, an economic consulting firm, to examine the economic impact of federal- and state-funded research conducted by medical schools and teaching hospitals that are members of the association.

According to the report, every $1 invested in research at medical schools and teaching hospitals results in $2.60 of economic activity.

That means job-creation inside as well as