5 Organizations At The Forefront Of Medical Research
While many of the world's most devastating illnesses have yet to be eradicated, the medical community has made great strides in combating their prevalence and severity. The organizations here are among those pioneering clinical research and treatment in the field, all with the aim of creating a healthier future. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Pioneering Medical Research Groups
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| The Human Vaccines Project | Transform how we fight our most devastating diseases by unlocking the mechanisms of human immunity, and accelerating the development of new vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments |
| The Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics | Encourage basic and clinical scientists who are interested in areas of brain mapping, engineering, stem cell, nanotechnology, imaging, and medical devices to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients afflicted with neurological disorders |
| The George Institute for Global Health | Improve the health of millions of people worldwide by focusing on better treatments, better care, and healthier societies |
| Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute | Find cures for human disease, improve quality of life, and educate and train the next generation of scientists to create a legacy for employees, partners, donors, and community |
| The Lymphatic Education & Research Network | Fight lymphatic diseases and lymphedema through education, research, and advocacy |
The Genesis of the Human Vaccines Project
Phases of Medical Research
- Basic medical research: Establishes an understanding of the issue and its effects on humans
- Preclinical research: Figures out how best to test an experimental treatment or cure
- Clinical research: Research is done on real people, under the supervision of physicians in a medical setting
Fields of Biomedical Research
- Aging
- Anatomy
- Angiology
- Behavioral health
- Biochemistry
- Biomaterials
- Cancer
- Cellular biology
- Chemistry
- Endocrinology
- Epigenetics
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
- Nanomaterials
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Otolaryngology
- Palliative Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Preventive medicine
- Psychopharmacology
- Public Health
- Tissue Engineering
- Toxicology
- Virology
Sanford Burnham Prebys' Legacy of Collaboration and Discovery
In Depth
Modern medicine works hand-in-hand with science, with new insights into the biology of disease leading to expanded options for treatment. Many such advances are made possible by independent organizations that conduct research, provide funding, or push for policies that support clinical investigation. In no particular order, here are five groups helping to move medical science forward.
Leading us off at #1 is the Human Vaccines Project, using systems theory and artificial intelligence to improve understanding of how the immune system fights disease. Its research initiatives include an effort to map the diversity of immune receptors expressed by the human body, and a search for biological markers predicting successful vaccine response.
The HVP operates a bioinformatics data hub, aggregating results from immunology research around the globe, as well as offering the Michelson Prizes to fund work by leading researchers in the field. The organization also offers educational videos on the immune system's response to influenza viruses, and shares news about vaccination and disease.
The organization also offers educational videos on the immune system's response to influenza viruses, and shares news about vaccination and disease.
Next up at #2 is the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics, which works to promote research efforts aimed at deciphering the functional anatomy of the human nervous system. This group organizes events bringing together experts in neurology and brain imaging, to network and share knowledge, and offers awards to individuals who have made significant contributions in this field.
The SBMT has helped develop legislation initiatives like the annual Brain Mapping Day at the United States Congress, to educate lawmakers about issues in neurological research, or the Brain Technology & Innovation Park initiative promoting enterprise partnerships. The Society also operates a foundation that offers funding for projects to develop advances in neurological imaging or treatment. SBMT provides educational materials including articles, videos, and book recommendations.
Our #3 is The George Institute for Global Health, an independent research organization seeking solutions for conditions that cause significant loss of life, well-being, and resources. Its projects include trials of specific treatment approaches, as well as assessments of healthcare delivery strategies and behavioral interventions. Many of the Institute's programs focus on the needs of indigenous populations or developing economies.
Many of the Institute's programs focus on the needs of indigenous populations or developing economies.
The George Institute aims to improve health policy and practice worldwide, from identifying effective stroke treatments to raising public awareness about nutrition. Through tools including research and policy reports, informational videos, and blog articles, the organization works to change both individual and system-level behavior, to improve care and reduce costs. The organization's social entrepreneurship arm also funds novel medical technologies and helps develop health-focused startups.
At #4 we have Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, a biomedical research nonprofit working to uncover the causes of disease and develop cures. This organization catalyzes collaborations between life science researchers, with programs focused on challenges like genetic disorders, the immune system, and the biology of cancer. SBP's discoveries include identifying tumor survival mechanisms, developing novel cancer treatments, and finding immune system proteins linked to Parkinson's disease.
SBP operates centers specializing in subjects like stem cells, cancer, and children's health. Its translational research program uses breakthroughs in disease biology to enable new treatments, such as drugs for lymphoma, blood clotting, and anemia. The organization offers educational opportunities including graduate and postdoctoral programs, with scholarships available through the Fishman Fund Awards. SBP's Shared Resources system provides access to laboratory facilities and equipment for researchers from other institutions.
Its translational research program uses breakthroughs in disease biology to enable new treatments, such as drugs for lymphoma, blood clotting, and anemia.
Capping off our list at #5 is the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, which supports clinical investigation into diseases of the lymphatic system, and offers resources for those affected. LE&RN provides funding for scientists examining these illnesses, including postdoctoral fellowships, grants to enable attendance at international conferences, and lifetime achievement awards. The organization also operates a database of researchers, and shares information on clinical trials.
Learning tools from LE&RN include continuing medical education courses and online symposiums, as well as updates on recent research. The organization also publishes the Lymphatic Research and Biology Journal, and operates a patient registry and tissue bank to support further studies. The group offers numerous resources for patients, such as a guide to finding a qualified therapist, and a virtual expo showcasing relevant equipment, supplements, and medicines.
