VisionThis is the ambitious, impatient vision of the Biodesign Institute. Here, hundreds of researchers have come together, driven by a passion to solve huge global challenges. The Biodesign Institute focuses on:
Knowledge Meets Know-How In order to allow great minds to interact in bold new ways, the Biodesign Institute challenges the rigid structures of conventional science. It has infused its programs with a focus on project teams and deliverables – an approach rarely found on university campuses. Biodesign’s leadership team encompasses skills in science, strategy, communication, and business to ensure that its research yields a clear societal benefit as rapidly as possible. Real-World Problems, Bold Solutions The Biodesign Institute is addressing urgent problems on a global scale. Key projects include:
|
|
FacilitiesDesigned for Collaboration, Built for Speed The Biodesign Institute’s 350,000 sq. ft. facility is designed to foster the fusion of previously distinct areas of science. It was named 2006 Laboratory of the Year by R&D Magazine in an international competition. The pace of progress at Biodesign is unparalleled among academic research institutes, spurring economic diversification in the region. In less than three years, Biodesign has:
This steep trajectory is not accidental. It results from a well-conceived strategy and purposeful focus on urgent problems facing our world.
|
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” |
FundingThe Biodesign Institute was conceived in 2002, when ASU President Michael Crow assembled a group of top ASU researchers and leaders to discuss how to maximize the societal impact of bioscience research. The discussion identified the importance of integrating the traditional fields of bioscience with engineering and computing, which led to the creation of a facility where this distinct interdisciplinary structure could be maximized. The Institute benefits substantially from a voter-approved tax supporting K-12 education and university research in Arizona. ASU has committed a significant share of these tax-generated funds over the next five years to the Institute’s research programs to ensure a solid launch for the Institute. The research must ultimately be self-supporting, with funding from external sources including government and industry grants and philanthropic support. Many of our research projects are already self-supporting. In 2003, the Arizona legislature passed a far-sighted research infrastructure bill that has further accelerated ASU’s ability to build the Institute. The first building was completed in December 2004, and a second opened in January 2006. The Institute is master-planned as four interconnected buildings with 800,000 sq. ft. of advanced research space. The first building, which is 172,000 sq. ft., opened in December 2004 and was funded by ASU. In 2003, the Arizona legislature passed a far-sighted research infrastructure bill that enabled construction of a similar second building, opening in January 2006. Flexibility is built into every aspect of the facilities, so they can rapidly be adapted to changes in technology. |
"The Biodesign Institute represents the State’s largest investment to date in biotech research facilities. It’s the fulfillment of a public trust, because this project would not have been possible without the voter-approved funding in 2000 and legislative support for research infrastructure in 2003.” |
Delivering the DreamsTo be meaningful, research must produce real results for real people in real time. We work with partners in health care and industry to quickly translate discoveries into use. Our current collaborations include dozens of academic, nonprofit and for-profit organizations in areas as diverse as health care, agriculture, technology, electronics, law enforcement and national security. The Institute works in tandem with Arizona Technology Enterprises (AzTE) the commercialization arm of Arizona State University. AzTE identifies research with commercial potential and seeks the fastest and most responsible options for engaging industry. These options include licensing intellectual property to industry, partnering with local or global industry, and launching new companies. In its short history, the Biodesign Institute has made measurable strides in delivering on its goals. In 2004, Biodesign researchers filed 17 new patent applications, launched three spin-out companies and increased grant funding 30 percent, for a total of $15 million annually. Among the research discoveries being translated to commercial endeavors are a drug with potential to save the lives of stroke victims; new tests to diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately; devices that rapidly detect explosives and biowarfare agents; the use of DNA forensics for law enforcement; and the design of next-generation flexible electronic displays with multiple applications in medicine, industrial processes and defense. These factors, combined with a proven ability to attract top scientific research teams to Arizona, enables the Biodesign Institute to play a critical role in the state’s economic development. |
|
ResponsibilityBecause science must venture continuously into the unknown to expand the boundaries of understanding, it carries a weighty responsibility. Many beneficial discoveries have the capacity to be misused. Careful analysis of the benefits and risks of scientific advances and their social and ethical implications is a priority for the Biodesign Institute. Arizona State University is actively engaged in developing rational policies for responsibly advancing human discovery by drawing on our diverse scientific, cultural, religious, ethics and public policy expertise across the University. The Biodesign Institute works closely with others at ASU to provide science policy expertise based on rigorous standards of scientific evidence. |
|
