The Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies at Rensselaer

The Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS) is uniquely focused on fostering collaborative research across disciplines. Researchers from life sciences, physical science, informatics, bioengineering, data modeling, bioimaging, engineering, lighting systems and engineering, and media technologies can come together to work on global challenges.

As the hub of biotechnology-based research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Center is recognized for its basic and applied research, world-class infrastructure and support staff, and growing funding base.

Our research portfolio includes ground-breaking work in biologics, bioimaging, biomanufacturing, biomolecular science and engineering, biophysics and structural biology, microbiomics, neuroscience, stem cell engineering, and genomics.  More about CBIS

Over Ten Years

  • 36 Faculty
  • 200 Ph.D.s Granted
  • 1,000 Undergrads Trained
  • 2,000 Peer-Reviewed Publications
  • 30,000 Citations (ISI)
  • $130MExternal Grant Funding

News & Events

Designer Peptides Show Potential for Blocking Viruses, Encourage Future Study

TROY, N.Y. — Chemically engineered peptides, designed and developed by a team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, could prove valuable in the battle against some of the most persistent human health challenges.

CAREER Award Supports Research to Deepen Understanding of Osteoarthritis

TROY, N.Y. — Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million adults in the United States. The key to preventing or even reversing its painful and debilitating effects may be uncovered through a better understanding of the biomechanics that influence a specific molecular component that is central to the body’s joints.

Unique System for Using UVC Light to Sterilize Masks in Bulk Developed at Rensselaer

TROY, N.Y. — The shortage of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) has been a persistent problem for medical and other front-line workers as they battle the COVID-19 pandemic at close range day after day. A team of researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has developed a potential solution: a machine that uses ultraviolet (UVC) light to sterilize thousands of protective masks each day, rendering them safe for reuse.

New Findings and Approaches Emerge from Remote Investigation

TROY, N.Y. — On a typical April day, Jackie Pelham would spend most of her time in a lab coat and goggles. Working at a laboratory bench, she would examine proteins found in the body. But lately, Pelham has traded her lab coat for a laptop and her lab bench for a desk in her home. Rather than observing biochemical processes, she is poring over previously collected data. Somewhat unexpectedly, even to her, Pelham sees this temporary trade-off as an opportunity.

Research & Constellations

 

Our Center

  • 150 PhD Students
  • 50 Postdoctoral Fellows
  • 33 Principal Investigator Laboratories
  • 25 Visiting Research Scientists
  • 218,000 sq ft modern facility
  • 31, 240 sq ft of open research labs
  • 13,009 sq ft of support labs
  • 27,350 sq ft of core facilities
  • 5,830 sq ft conference and seminar space