The Biomedical Research Center (BRC) brings Carle Health System physicians and CCIL investigators together to work side-by-side on translational science — driving entrepreneurship and bringing lab discoveries to clinical practice. Located on the third floor of the Mills Breast Cancer Institute, this partnership creates a unique laboratory setting where basic sciences research is translated to real-world healthcare to create innovative solutions in diagnostics, imaging, materials, and drug delivery.
Collaboration
Through ongoing interactions and with the expertise of Biomedical Research Laboratory staff, physicians and researchers pair up to identify clinical problems that can be solved with engineering solutions. To expedite work at the BRC, resources are available to help researchers in navigating the biosafety, project registration, and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval processes. In addition, the BRC offers project support including the design and implementation of experiments, writing and submitting grant proposals, and coordinating with Carle Hospital resources.
Application
Through its partnership with EnterpriseWorks, an award-winning incubator that serves science and research-based startups commercializing technology, the BRC provides facilities and resources that support entrepreneurs in bringing their inventions to market.
Examples of new diagnostic technologies resulting from BRC collaborations include:
- Novel cancer biomarkers and diagnostics for basal-like tumors
- New biomarker sensor platforms
- Microfluidic serum analytic devices
- Tissue contrast agents
- Microfluidic cell analysis
- Novel sepsis prediction algorithms
Examples of new material and drug delivery technologies resulting from BRC collaborations include:
- 3D Novel, engineered bio-materials
- Immuno-targeted nanoparticle delivery
- Drug solubilization and targeting
- Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery
Carle Hospital Resources
Carle Foundation Hospital’s research enterprise, the Stephens Family Clinical Research Institute (SFCRI), is also located on the third floor of the Mills Breast Cancer Institute. The mission of the SFCRI is to support, nurture, test, and apply new discoveries that address today’s critical healthcare challenges. For more information on collaborating with Carle physicians or designing studies that incorporate clinical samples, fill out the SFCRI Services Request Form.
Contact
For more information or to request a tour of the BRC, contact Tor Jensen.
Biomedical Research Center
3rd Floor Mills Breast Cancer Institute
509 W. University Avenue, Urbana, 61801