A ranking released this week by a national site selection publication is great news for people who envision a bright future for Kansas in bioscience research and industry.

Business Facilities magazine called Kansas’ jump into fifth place in the magazine’s rankings for biotechnology strength “one of the most significant improvements” in its annual rankings. Kansas was ranked ninth last year.

“Kansas clearly has shown that it is a biotech force to be reckoned with,” said Business Facilities editor Jack Rogers, “and it has staked a claim to a leadership position for years to come.”

We like the way this magazine thinks.

Business Facilities focused on the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and other animal health efforts under way in Manhattan, which it also has ranked as No. 2 among its top 10 metro areas for economic growth potential. The magazine also cited the Kansas Bioscience Authority for its “impressive and expanding program … that brings together industry, higher education and government in a coordinated targeted effort.”

That’s all good news for Kansas. The KBA, meeting in Overland Park this week, took steps to push two major bioscience efforts in the state: agricultural research and the drive to obtain National Cancer Center status for the Kansas University Cancer Center. On the agriculture front, Kansas will become one of nine partners in a new U.S. Department of Agriculture network designed to connect research to potential commercial products.

For the KU effort, KBA approved spending $1.6 million to hire two top researchers, who are bringing large research grants with them and are expected to attract $8.2 million in additional grants in the next decade. Hiring top researchers not only brings millions of dollars into the state, it also is a key component in bolstering the application KU plans to submit in about a year to become a National Cancer Center.

Success breeds success, and the national attention Kansas is receiving for its efforts in biosciences certainly has the potential to open new doors for the state. The new NBAF facility and other animal health research programs at Kansas State University are setting the pace. Hopefully, KU and its cancer center won’t be far behind.