
Advance the biosciences
University Priority
Innovation in the biosciences is essential to helping us live longer and healthier lives.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ scientists and researchers deliver cutting-edge treatments and cures through their pathbreaking work in synthetic biology, chemistry, cancer research, public health and more.
With collaboration across schools, campuses and partners such as Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Medicine, a significant percentage of the University’s research enterprise is dedicated to the biosciences. This page provides a snapshot of the transformative work taking place at Âé¶¹´«Ã½.



Lurie Cancer Center is one of only 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and a Lead Academic Participating Site in the National Clinical Trials Network. Its strengths include a hematopoietic stem cell transplant program that performs 350+ transplants annually, Illinois’s first and only proton therapy center and OncoSET, a pioneering precision-medicine program.

Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s researchers make breakthroughs that advance healthcare for everyone.
With an emphasis on translational medicine, our physician-scientists and engineers are at the forefront of research and discovery.



McNally researches genetics of cardiovascular and neuromuscular disorders and studies genetic mechanisms responsible for inherited human diseases.
Learn about Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s leadership in the biosciences.
See Âé¶¹´«Ã½â€™s new developments in support of this priority.

Flexible, hair-like device safely enters the uterus for continuous, real-time monitoring

Finding opens the door to exploring how rye pollen inhibits tumor growth

New study reveals the molecular switch that controls balance of intestinal fluid

One pocket can switch on, shut down or supercharge a key protein in cells

Engineered enzymes perform metabolic reactions that do not exist in nature

Study uncovers a new Alzheimer’s trigger — and a way to stop it