Biopreservation Research Consortium (BRC)
The preservation of biological specimens is an enabling technology for a wide variety of fields, including but not limited to: cell therapy/regenerative medicine, biobanking of biospecimens for personalized medicine, and production of recombinant proteins. We have placed increasing demands on the quality of biological specimens that are preserved and the diversity of specimens that require stabilization. Unfortunately, advances in preservation science and technology have not kept pace with the increasing demands placed on these biological samples. This gap between state-of-the-art in preservation and emerging needs led to the formation of the BRC.
The BRC proposes to streamline academic research and development to address the problems/concerns of the end users of the preservation technologies. To this end, the BRC brings together faculty involved in preservation research, cell therapy, and biobanking together with industry, governmental agencies, and other organizations for the purpose of accelerating advances in preservation and their dissemination. A goal of the BRC is the engagement of scientists and engineers in a pre-competitive, nonproprietary and collaborative environment. Members benefit from early awareness of new developments in the field and the ability to direct and influence the direction of research problems. Members of the BRC also benefit from equipment, staff and special-user rates in various facilities.
The BRC research would initially consist of two distinct program areas: Cell therapy and biobanking of biospecimens. The initial round of projects supported by the BRC would focus on critical needs in these two areas. Projects pursued in subsequent years would be formed by input from an Advisory Board.
If you are interested in participating in the BRC and would like a membership agreement to review, please contact us at biocor@me.umn.edu or call Ms. Tori Piorek at 612.625.6808.
The Institute for Engineering in Medicine has committed $15,000 in funds this year for BRC research projects. A critical element of the BRC is leveraging funding from multiple sources.
Sponsors:
