Biodesign Institute

Biodesign Institute
Name	Biodesign Institute
Established	2004
Type	Interdisciplinary research institute
Parent	Arizona State University
Director	Joshua LaBaer
City	Tempe, Arizona
Country	United States

Biodesign Institute. The Biodesign Institute is a major interdisciplinary research center at Arizona State University focused on confronting global challenges in human health, environmental sustainability, and national security. Its mission integrates biology, engineering, computer science, and medicine to create innovative solutions. The institute is renowned for its collaborative, team-based approach to translational research, aiming to rapidly move discoveries from the laboratory into practical applications.

Overview

The institute operates as a cornerstone of Arizona State University's research enterprise, emphasizing convergence across traditional academic boundaries. It brings together researchers from diverse fields including microbiology, nanotechnology, data analytics, and biodesign to tackle complex problems. This model is designed to accelerate the pace of discovery and its implementation, fostering partnerships with entities like the Mayo Clinic and various Department of Defense agencies. The overarching goal is to develop new diagnostics, therapeutics, and biotechnologies that address pressing societal needs.

Research centers and programs

The institute's work is organized into several thematic research centers, each with specialized foci. Key centers include the Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery, which explores protein folding and biomolecular design, and the Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, investigating the role of microbial communities in health and disease. Other significant units are the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, studying evolutionary processes, and the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, which develops technologies for water purification and pathogen detection. Collaborative programs often involve the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and the College of Health Solutions.

History and development

The institute was formally launched in 2004 under the leadership of then-Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow, as part of a strategic expansion of the university's research capabilities. Its creation was supported by significant funding from the Arizona legislature and private donors, including a landmark gift from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The first dedicated building, the Biodesign Institute Building A, opened in 2006 on the Tempe, Arizona campus, with Biodesign Institute Building B following in 2012. This expansion physically embodied the institute's growth and its central role in Arizona State University's focus on interdisciplinary "use-inspired" research.

Key research areas and impact

Research at the institute has produced notable advances in several fields. In biomedical diagnostics, teams have developed novel platforms for early detection of diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Work in synthetic biology has led to engineered organisms for biofuel production and bioremediation. Significant contributions have also been made in biosignatures and astrobiology, often in collaboration with NASA and the SETI Institute, exploring the origins of life. The institute's rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic included large-scale serology testing and research into the SARS-CoV-2 virus, impacting public health efforts in Arizona and nationally.

Facilities and location

The institute is primarily housed in two large, state-of-the-art research buildings on the Tempe, Arizona campus of Arizona State University, with additional laboratories in Scottsdale, Arizona near the Mayo Clinic. The facilities feature advanced core laboratories for genomics, proteomics, mass spectrometry, and nanofabrication, designed to encourage collaboration with open laboratory layouts. Its location within the Arizona State University Research Park facilitates partnerships with other research organizations and technology transfer offices. The buildings are also designed with sustainability features, aligning with the university's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Leadership and organization

The institute is led by Executive Director Joshua LaBaer, a renowned researcher in cancer proteomics. It operates under the umbrella of the Arizona State University Knowledge Enterprise, which oversees all university research activities. Governance involves a leadership team comprising the directors of individual research centers and key administrative officials. The institute's advisory board includes leaders from industry, academia, and government, such as representatives from Intel, the National Institutes of Health, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, guiding its strategic direction and fostering external partnerships.

Category:Research institutes in Arizona Category:Arizona State University Category:Biotechnology research institutes Category:Buildings and structures in Tempe, Arizona