The Institute
Foster paradigm-shifting research to solve the biggest, most complex health challenges of our time.
In 2012, the University of Michigan set out to exponentially accelerate the discovery of new healthcare technologies by launching the Biointerfaces Institute (BI). Designed to promote continual collaboration between life and physical scientists, this unconventional research hub is creating a new kind of science landscape—a venue that encourages out-of- the-box thinking, drives innovation, accelerates the path from basic research to real-world health outcomes, and simultaneously serves as an ideal training site for the next generation of scientists and thought leaders.
Institute researchers are taking a close look at biointerfaces: the critical junctures between living cells and other surfaces, to develop new technologies for understanding, diagnosing and treating disease. Researchers are aided in their efforts by another, equally critical type of interface —daily, face-to- face interactions among researchers from diverse disciplines — to break through silos, spur collaborations, and drive innovation. Thirty research groups from twelve departments across the University of Michigan’s schools of Engineering, Dentistry, Medicine, and Pharmacy have been co-located into the Biointerfaces Institute’s footprint at UM’s North Campus Research Complex.
Working together under one roof, Institute researchers are advancing research in the following areas:
Create a barrier-free environment engineered for ongoing collaboration
The Biointerfaces Institute pools UM’s strengths in these different scientific areas to focus on facilitating interactions between researchers who both ask great questions and solve tough problems. BI faculty have already translated new research findings into practical applications. Understanding that research collaborations are essential to advance biomedical research, the Biointerfaces Institute also provides space for visiting collaborators in its Integration Space. These state-of-the-art research laboratories offer university colleagues and corporate collaborators an opportunity to work side-by- side with BI researchers for up to a year, further advancing and accelerating bench to bedside results.
BI Impact
BI researchers are active contributors to the university’s research mission: engaging in scientific discovery and entrepreneurship across the institute and the entire campus. At BI, we are making scholarly impact and technological strides, while training the next generation of biomedical engineers.