The University of Chicago has established the Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine, funded by a $21 million gift from philanthropist Thea Berggren. Co-directed by Greg Engel of the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Julian Solway of the Department of Medicine, the center aims to integrate quantum technology with biomedical research to advance diagnostics and therapies. The initiative will focus on developing quantum tools for biomedical applications and training a new cohort of interdisciplinary researchers, building upon existing strengths in quantum science and clinical care at UChicago. The center’s work will initially leverage collaborations established through the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum Sensing for Biophysics and Bioengineering (QuBBE), with a goal of translating quantum advancements into clinical solutions.
Establishing the Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine
The University of Chicago has established the Berggren Center for Quantum Biology and Medicine, fuelled by a $21 million philanthropic gift from Thea Berggren. This initiative integrates quantum technology with biological research, aiming to pioneer novel approaches to disease understanding and treatment. The center builds upon existing strengths in both quantum science and clinical medicine within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and the Biological Sciences Division, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation.
Researchers, including Peter Maurer, Alexander Pearson, and Aaron Esser-Kahn, currently focus on developing quantum-enabled identifiers for real-time observation of individual immune cells. These tools promise enhanced insights into inflammation, cancer, and personalised treatment strategies. The center’s core objectives centre on the development of these quantum tools for biomedical applications and the training of interdisciplinary researchers capable of translating quantum advances into clinical solutions.
The center prioritises translating discoveries into tangible improvements in patient care, extending its impact beyond fundamental research and into the clinical realm. This collaborative framework unites quantum physicists, engineers, and clinicians, establishing a shared scientific language to advance disease understanding and treatment. The center’s training programs, including a quantum-focused pathway for physician-scientists, cultivate a workforce equipped to identify and implement new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
The Berggren Center accelerates the translation of quantum imaging tools into clinical practice by building upon the foundation of the NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Quantum Sensing for Biophysics and Bioengineering (QuBBE). Endowed funds and current support will ensure long-term sustainability and facilitate ongoing research initiatives, driving continuous progress in the field.
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