Medical research institute planned in Fairfax

FAIRFAX — A new nonprofit medical research institute will create 415 jobs in Fairfax County.

Gov. Tim Kaine announced plans for The Ignite Institute on Monday. The $200 million project is being led by Inova Health System and Dietrich Stephan, a leader in the field of molecular medicine.

The institute’s mission is to use sophisticated molecular scanning technologies to fully understand cancer and other diseases so that effective new diagnostics and therapeutics can be developed rapidly.

Kaine approved a $3 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Fairfax County with the project. The institute also will be eligible to receive a four-year, $22 million grant, subject to General Assembly approval, if it meets job-creation and other targets.