Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Driving the future of life sciences fundamental and applied research
Research in Life Sciences and Biotechnology at WPI stands at the intersection of the life sciences, the physical and computer sciences, and engineering. Our researchers are creating new routes to drug discovery and development, exploring the fundamental mechanisms of life to expand knowledge about human diseases and how to treat them. Laboratory discoveries combined with computational analysis are illuminating the workings of everything from chromosomes to viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
Researchers in this space, who have teamed up under the BioPoint umbrella, are hoping to inspire dynamic, resilient scholarship and education to understand, harness and engineer cells and organisms for next-generation solutions in healthcare and allied industries. The BioPoint team is dedicated to identifying key areas of collaboration with industry and government partners to advance research and development in the life sciences, bioengineering, and biomedical engineering.
Exploring the Mysteries of Cilia
Tiny structures called cilia sit on cells and are critical to health. Researcher Inna Nechipurenko is studying how genes impact cilia formation and function in nerve cells.
Nature & WPI
“The Nature conference at WPI brought some of the most brilliant minds in the world under one roof for three days to share insights, engage with students, and to find out what the future holds for nucleic acid medicine,” she said. “Having two Nobel laureates at the conference speaks to the intense interest in mRNA therapeutics and other cutting-edge approaches, but it also highlights the role this sector plays in the regional economy and at institutions like WPI.”
Featured BioPoint Faculty
Citing important contributions to the development of multifunctional biomaterials and in broadening participation of minorities and women in STEM, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the election of Winston Soboyejo to its College of Fellows.