Kansas University researchers could benefit from the new Homeland Security Department, a KU official said Thursday.

Janet Murguia, executive vice chancellor for university relations, is in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with members of Kansas’ congressional delegation.

“There may be opportunities,” she said. “KU plays a lead role in the state for training firefighters and police, and KU Med is equipped to handle emergencies. We’re always looking for opportunities to see if there are federal dollars that can match up with university’s areas of interest or training grants.”

Murguia said meetings with Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback also focused on life sciences research. She said Brownback was especially interested in bringing Elias Zerhouni, the new director of the National Institutes of Health, to campus for a visit.

Murguia spent Wednesday and Thursday meeting with the congressional delegation and about 35 representatives from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Most of those meetings were spent discussing trade, tax and work force development issues, she said. She attended meetings with Brownback, Roberts and Reps. Dennis Moore and Todd Tiahrt.

Murguia’s trip also included presenting a check for $40,000 to former Sen. Bob Dole, who is co-chairman of the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.

The university raised money for the fund by selling “United We Stand” T-shirts that featured the Jayhawk mascot used between 1941 and 1946.