Princeton University Launches New Bioengineering Initiative with Focus on Innovation and Interdisciplinary Research

Clifford Brangwynne, a professor in chemical and biological engineering at Princeton University, has been appointed the inaugural director of the university's new Princeton Bioengineering Initiative. This initiative expand and support existing bioengineering activities at the institution while pioneering innovative research, education, and development focused on the intersection between life sciences and engineering.

Andrea Goldsmith, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Arthur LeGrand Doty Professor in Electrical Engineering, states that: Our world has been radically transformed by a microscopic biological entity responsible for an unprecedented pandemic that has clmed millions of lives. This is just one instance where bioengineering plays a critical role. Cancer, dementia these diseases have profound impacts on society's health and well-being. The Princeton Bioengineering Initiative seeks to harness engineering expertise to address these challenges.

This initiative will not only drive forward fundamental research but also foster innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening connections with the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in the region through partnerships. A key aspect of its work is anticipated to be convening a broad spectrum of academic researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers.

Clifford Brangwynne joined Princeton's faculty in 2011 and is celebrated for pioneering research on previously unknown cellular structures that significantly influence basic functions across living organisms. His focus on condensed biomolecular liquids in membrane-less organelles has provided groundbreaking insights into the cell's ry. He recently co-founded Nereid Therapeutics, a startup med at developing treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other illnesses.

The Princeton University President Christopher L. Eisgruber lauded Brangwynne's contributions by stating that Clifford Brangwynne has illuminated some of the most fundamental principles governing life’s intricate systems.

A major donation from Gilbert Omenn '61 and Martha Darling *70 was instrumental in naming the new bioengineering institute after their names. This establishment will encourage new avenues for research, education, and innovation at the crossroads of engineering and life sciences while fostering interdisciplinary postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate programs.

Forward Fest is scheduled to highlight bioengineering, among other topics, as part of Princeton's A Year of Forward Thinking conference series.

Princeton University operates on a commitment to equality by ensuring no discrimination based on personal beliefs or characteristics like political views, religion, national origin, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy-related conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other protected statuses. It upholds Title IX policies regarding non-discrimination agnst sex in educational programs and activities.

In essence, the Princeton Bioengineering Initiative represents a collaborative effort to advance knowledge while driving societal benefit through innovation and interdisciplinary research.
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