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Research Centers

Notre Dame Cancer Institute

The Walther Cancer Research Center has made dramatic advances in cancer research over the last decade, including developing a vaccine for prostate cancer. Nearly 50 faculty and postdoctoral researchers are now working within the center to uncover the mysteries of one of humankind’s most insidious killers. The University’s cancer research has recently expanded with the formation of the Notre Dame Cancer Institute, which houses the Walther Center in addition to two new initiatives: the Clinical Research Center and the Hillebrand Center for Compassionate Care.

Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease

Formerly the Tropical Disease Research and Training Center, this center is producing some of the University’s most influential and applicable research results today. To wit: the Haiti Project, which is on target to eradicate the deadly lymphatic filariasis from Haiti by 2013. The center aims to replicate these outstanding results in other areas by expanding knowledge of human pathogens, the diseases they carry, their effects on humans, and methods of combating them. Internationally renowned, the center has produced some of the world’s most respected tropical medicine scientists, and its graduates hold top positions at such prestigious institutions as Yale, Johns Hopkins, and the Centers for Disease Control.

W.M. Keck Center for Transgene Research

Genes stored in each of our cells determine whether we are male or female, tall or short, better suited for playing Chopin or football. Our genetic destiny also determines which disorders we are at high risk of developing. The W.M. Keck Center for Transgene Research uses gene-targeting technology to tap the enormous potential of molecular medicine to create new prevention and treatment regimes tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. The center has already made major breakthroughs to reduce miscarriages and prevent hemophilia.

Center for Materials Nanoscience

Modern materials science addresses a spectrum of applications, from molecular-scale computing to surface treatments for medical devices. Researchers in the field are moving toward an unprecedented union of the physical and life sciences. In response, the College has developed an interdisciplinary Center for Materials Nanoscience to be utilized by students and faculty in science and engineering.

Center for Biophysics and Biocomplexity

The recent mapping of the human genome revolutionized biological research. But it also illustrated what a small fraction of the world is known to us and how much is yet to be discovered. As a result, scientists have come to understand that the next frontier of biology requires us to study living beings as complex, interconnected systems in which molecules and genes are constantly interacting and affecting one another. Notre Dame has been a pioneer in the fields of biophysics and biocomplexity and seeks to elevate research in these areas through campaign support.

Center for Rare Disease Research

Scientists have identified more than 60,000 rare diseases, characterized as those affecting a relatively small population—from just 10 to more than 100,000. These include cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, Niemann-Pick disease, and several forms of cancer. Not surprisingly, the low profit margins associated with small populations have prohibited major pharmaceutical companies from researching rare disease treatments. Universities are better suited to pursue such research. As a Catholic university, Notre Dame has a special obligation to fill the void in drug research that could help millions around the world.

Institute for Environmental Research

Though rooted in biology, most environmental challenges originate within a social context—chemical runoff from industry and agriculture, for example. Hence Notre Dame’s environmental research programs have adopted a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining the complementary expertise of biologists, environmentalists, social scientists, lawyers, business people, and even philosophers and theologians.

How can I help? Each of these research centers stands to benefit from endowed funding in the areas of faculty chairs, graduate fellowships, undergraduate research opportunities, instrumentation, course development, and research support. Several of the centers also seek the leadership of an endowed director.

Questions? Please contact us at spirit@nd.edu.