Basic Science Research

The challenge facing the biomedical research community is to unravel the underpinnings of both normal and pathologic biology. Before us is an unprecedented opportunity to advance our understanding of the fundamental principles of biologic processes.

New discoveries lie at the interface of multiple disciplines including physics, chemistry, biology and computation. Such synergistic collaborations can result in groundbreaking research and the creation of new paradigms, some capable of altering our approach to human pathobiology.

Our collective mission calls for innovation. An emphasis on creativity will drive novel observations. Only by striving to break with conventional linearity of thought will we reveal new concepts. Successful execution of innovative processes will allow us to translate our new discoveries into practical applications to treat disease.

Basic Science Departments

Centers

Innovative Science Programs

With the release of the URMC 2007-2012 Strategic Plan, four new Innovative Science Programs (ISPs) will be established, chosen because they have promising applications in a broad range of disciplines, including the five major integrated disease programs (IDPs; see below). They also represent areas in which the URMC already has the fundamentals of a strong program, or a significant need to build strength in order to remain at the cutting edge.

In all four ISPs, there are strong opportunities for commercialization. In keeping with our effort to foster cross-campus collaboration, three of the new centers are joint ventures between the School of Medicine and Dentistry and the University's College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering.

Integrated Disease Programs

With the release of the URMC 2007-2012 Strategic Plan, the Medical Center will organize itself around five major Integrated Disease Programs (IDPs). These will bring together basic and clinical scientists to address major areas of unmet medical need, while building on established signature programs that represent institutional strengths at the URMC.

Business Opportunities

Facilitating the transfer of URMC science and technology from the laboratory to the realm of medical advancement.