Research

Research

The Beckman Institute is a unique engine for research. We're making incredible advances while helping ordinary people.

Research that matters

The Beckman Institute is a community of researchers that transcend traditional boundaries, and a state-of-the-art facility that allows their work.

 

Our three research themes:

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Different neural tissue geometries formed with the new biofabrication method and imaged using confocal microscopy.

Meet a researcher

“For most chemicals, we have no idea what they’re doing to children’s neurodevelopment. … We shouldn’t have to wait 10 or 15 years – allowing countless children to be exposed to it in the meantime – until we’re positive it’s a bad actor.”

-Professor Susan Schantz, comparative biosciences

Susan Schantz

Video

Nemo meets neuroscience

Learn about neuroscientist Justin Rhodes' research on how clownfish brains change from male to female.

Changing the culture of science

21st Century Scientists

This Beckman initiative is working to improve inclusion and diversity, create incentives for engagement, and innovate scientific training.

Inclusive Lab Leaders

21st Century Scientists leads this training initiative, which puts on regular workshops for both student researchers and their leaders.

 

Visit the 21st Century
Scientists' website

 

A collage of different scientists talking into a microphone.

Video

Muscle regrowth improves with pericyte transplantation

Professor Marni Boppart describes her research in skeletal muscle regrowth. By injecting cells that support blood vessel growth into muscles depleted by inactivity, researchers say they are able to help restore muscle mass lost as a result of immobility.

Meet a researcher

"By using the physics of MRI, we can see more than just the parts of the brain. It's a look at how they dynamically communicate with each other. The fun part of my job is to figure out how to get that information out of the imaging data."

-Professor Brad Sutton, bioengineering

 

 

Professor Brad Sutton poses in front of an MRI scanner
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Become a Beckman researcher

Whether you're a student hoping make a difference, already leading research on campus, or thinking about becoming a faculty member at the University of Illinois, the Beckman Institute could be the right place for you.

Become a student researcher

Become a Beckman faculty member

Need resources for your research?

We provide state-of-the-art facilities for faculty, staff, and students.

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Biomedical Imaging Center

BIC is a state-of-the-art imaging facility that develops and applies cutting-edge techniques using magnetic resonance and molecular imaging tools.

Staff members employ advanced MRI, optical imaging, EEG, PET, SPECT, CT, fluorescence, and bioluminescence techniques to address questions about structure and function of systems across a variety of disciplines.

Visit BIC's website

Imaging Technology Group

ITG is home to Beckman's Microscopy Suite and its Visualization Lab.

Hundreds of researchers from the Beckman Institute and nearly every department on campus use its state-of-the-art microscopy, spectroscopy, image processing, and rendering capabilities.

Visit ITG's website