Centers & Institutes

The college is an active partner in multidisciplinary campus-wide programs which foster scientific synergy and collaboration and facilitate the “bench to bedside” transfer of therapies. Some of the Centers and Institutes institutes that tap talent from the health sciences and many other disciplines include:

UF Genetics Institute

Scientists united under the umbrella of the UF Genetics Institute have been delving into the genetic codes of a host of living things. UF researchers associated with the Powell Gene Therapy Center already are national leaders in studying how to use gene therapy — replacing or altering defective genes with healthy genes to treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis, high blood pressure and Parkinson’s disease.

UF Institute of Aging

The UF Institute on Aging serves as the major catalyst for developing models and synergisms in aging and geriatric medicine research, education and health care across all Colleges and Departments at the University of Florida. One of the major goals of geriatric medicine is the prevention and recovery of disabilities in the elderly. Causes of disability in older adults and their prevention and recovery are complex and involve social, economic, environmental, behavioral, genetic, metabolic, biological and co-morbid factors. The research findings of the Institute on Aging will bring better regional and national models of health care, with the aim to improve the health and quality of life of older adults.

UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute

The UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute seeks to improve human health by transforming our ability to do science. The UF CTSI provides clinical, laboratory and consulting services to investigators, training opportunities throughout the academic health enterprise, and provides new opportunities to engage Florida’s citizens in better health and healthcare. One of 60 such institutes supported by the National Institutes of Health at leading universities across the country, the UF CTSI creates new opportunities for translating basic research into clinically relevant knowledge and then further translating that knowledge into improved practice across the state and nation.

Evelyn and William L. McKnight Brain Institute

The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute of UF serves as the headquarters for campus-wide brain and spinal cord-related research. The Brain Institute houses two of the world’s most powerful magnets for imaging research. It also is home to the Surgical Research and Training Laboratory, which attracts neurosurgeons from around the world who come to learn the latest techniques for microscopic brain and spine surgery.

UF Emerging Pathogens Institute

The Emerging Pathogens Institute was created by fusing signature disciplines at UF and creating opportunities for novel scientific interaction. New and re-emerging diseases threaten Florida’s tourism, health and economy, which are particularly vulnerable due to the state’s mild climate and diverse agriculture. Weather patterns, commercial plant imports and annual global visitors, all have the potential to unsuspectingly carry pathogens from other countries into our state. The Emerging Pathogens Institute will fuse key disciplines to develop outreach, education, and research capabilities designed to preserve Florida’s health and economy, and to prevent or contain new and re-emerging diseases.

UF Shands Cancer Center

In establishing itself as a leading cancer research and treatment center, the UF Shands Cancer Center is coordinating multidisciplinary approaches to provide quality patient care and to develop improved cancer treatment strategies. UF researchers are known for improved diagnostic tests and therapies for cancers of the bone, breast, blood, colon, skin, prostate, bladder, the head and neck, and other malignancies, as well as for inventing the LINAC scalpel, which is used for targeting tightly focused beams of radiation to the site of brain tumors to destroy the malignant tissue.

Centers and Institutes Index