Research Centers & Institutes

Arabidopsis thaliana Research Initiative at University of Maryland (ATRIUM)
This group of interactive laboratories conducts research on the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Arabidopsis is a highly developed model system contributing to many breakthroughs in our understanding of plant growth and development.

Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB)
A multidisciplinary center dedicated to research on questions arising from the genome revolution.

Center for Biomolecular structure and function
The Center for Biological Structure and Organization (CBSO) is engaged in fundamental research into the structure and function of many different proteins whose malfunction is associated with a wide array of diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cystic fibrosis.

Center for Comparative and Evolutionary Biology of Hearing (C-CEBH)
The C-CEBH studies auditory neuroscience, with an emphasis on questions that directly or indirectly relate to issues of evolution and comparative hearing.

Energy Research Center (UMERC)
The University of Maryland Energy Research Center (UMERC) is a multidisciplinary initiative dedicated to advancing the frontiers of energy science and technology, with a special focus on forward-looking approaches for alternative energy generation and storage.
Genetics with Eukaryotic Model Systems (GEMS)
A monthly multi-lab meeting devoted to the use of genetic approaches in Eukaryotic Model Systems such as Drosophila, C. elegans or Arabidopsis to study problems in development, signal transduction and gene expression.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM )
IPM coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage.

Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (JIFSAN)
A US Food and Drug Administration and University of Maryland research and education partnership that seeks to provide the scientific basis for ensuring a safe, wholesome food supply as well as provide the infrastructure for contributions to national food safety programs and international food standards.

Maryland Pathogen Research Institute (MPRI)
The Maryland Pathogen Research Institute brings together an interdisciplinary team of scientists for a comprehensive approach to pathogen research that will improve human health globally. MPRI aims to develop new cures for global infectious diseases, develop new techniques to detect pathogens in the environment, and prevent the natural or man-made spread of infectious diseases.

Mass Spectrometry Facility
This facility houses three mass spectrometers: a LCMS, a GCMS and a MALDI-TOF. These instruments are used complete mass determination, protein identification, and structural determination of sample compounds. Any interested party affiliated with the College of Chemical and Life Sciences may be trained in the use of these instruments by request.

Center for Materials Research Science and Engineering (MRSEC)
The MRSEC is a part of a network of centers funded by the National Science Foundation. MRSEC conducts fundamental research on the surfaces and interfaces of materials that can impact the next generation of opto- and nano-electronic devices.  Complex oxides are also studied relative to their potential applications in memory, switches and sensors.

Molecular and Cell Biology (MOCB)
The Molecular and Cell Biology Program offers study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The training emphasizes research in the broad areas of cell biology, molecular biology, and related disciplines. The program is supported by faculty from six UM departments, two units in the UM Biotechnology Institute, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and from several institutes at the National Institutes of Health.

NanoCenter
The Maryland NanoCenter brings together cross-disciplinary groups of outstanding scientists and engineers to advance the frontiers of science and to develop nanotechnologies which improve our world.

Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NACS)
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science at the University of Maryland offers research and training opportunities in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience and computational neuroscience with internationally-renowned faculty.

Plant Nematology
The Nematology Diagnostic and Research Laboratory is engaged in research and outreach activities that are focused on locally relevant priorities in the management of plant-parasitic nematodes (microscopic roundworms). Current projects address the nematodes’ effect on the economics of agriculture within the state of Maryland.

Center for teaching and learning
The Center for Teaching and Learning organizes conversations on Teaching and Learning for faculty, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students to discuss pressing issues in undergraduate science education. The center also designs programs to meet the needs of new faculty and teaching assistants as they begin their teaching and research responsibilities.

Virology Graduate Training Program
The Virology Graduate Training Program provides its students with the opportunity to explore how viruses enter and exit cells. Students also learn how to direct the cell’s machinery to transcribe, translate, and replicate their genomes. This discipline encompasses the fields of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Genetics. The program provides the unique opportunity to join a highly interactive group of scientists whose interests range from viroids to poxviruses.