Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Biomedical research conducted throughout the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and across Virginia Tech encompasses a diverse spectrum of investigation, spanning from the intricate workings of molecules at the cellular level to clinical studies.
Within this setting, “translational research” bridges the gap between basic scientific discoveries and their practical application in health care and clinical settings. It demands a specialized set of skills, expertise, and interests.
Examples of translational success are growing at the research institute. Case in point, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute spinoff BEAM Diagnostics Inc. recently received a $1.84 million National Institutes of Health grant to further validate its innovative opioid use disorder assessment for use in outpatient medical clinics.
Spinoff companies such as BEAM Diagnostics (Warren Bickel and Sarah Snider), The Tiny Cargo Co. (Rob Gourdie and Spencer Marsh), Acomhal Research (Samy Lamouille and Gourdie), Bio Tairapeutics (Zhi Sheng), Cairina Inc. (Jennifer Munson), and Kernyll (Read Montague) are examples of the potentially transformative power of academic research translated into implementation, and directly contributing to improved patient health care in addiction, cancer, and brain disorders.
As the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute paves the way for translational research — with strong ties to the Roanoke Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP) and Johnson & Johnson’s JLABS program — we're turning breakthroughs into life-changing realities, one success story at a time.
Yours truly in the spirit of Ut Prosim,
Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology, Virginia Tech
Senior Dean for Research, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
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Pioneer of ‘mind-reading’ AI to open Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture series today
Read Montague, a renowned expert in artificial intelligence and machine learning, will kick off Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lectures at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Read Story
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Landmark $50 million gift to dramatically expand health sciences research at Virginia Tech
The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC continues to rise as an innovative hub for translational brain, heart, and cancer research. Boosted by a $50 million gift from the Red Gates Foundation, the institute will hire 14 new faculty and embark on six research projects. Read Story
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Virginia Tech outlines ambitious strategy to spearhead cancer research and elevate university's global standing
The university is gathering multidisciplinary talent to reduce cancer’s toll with a vision to rise as a top 100 global research institution. Read Story
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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC: Growth of an innovator
More than 450 faculty, staff, and students in Roanoke and Washington, D.C., are supporting biomedical research fueled by $173.7 million in external grants. Read Story
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Fralin Biomedical Research Institute spinoff company partnering with UVA Health to improve screening for opioid use disorder
BEAM Diagnostics received a $1.84 million National Institutes of Health grant to improve proactive behavioral health care. Read Story
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Mill Mountain Garden Club explores Health Sciences and Technology campus green roof, other conservation measures
“Conservation is a priority for our club,” said one garden club member. “We really wanted to see for ourselves how it can be incorporated into business facilities.” Read Story
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‘The real deal’: Students thrive and grow in summer hands-on research experiences
More than 30 undergraduate and high school students spent the summer working with world-class researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC as part of fellowships aimed at training the next generation of scientists. Read Story
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What is successful recovery? More than 10,000 people worldwide have signed on to participate in addiction research
The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute’s International Quit & Recovery Registry has become a rich network to study success in recovery from alcohol, tobacco, and other substances. Read Story
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Machine learning and thought, climate impact on health, Alzheimer's among topics for public lecture series
The institute launches its 14th season of the Maury Strauss Distinguished Public Lecture Series. Read Story
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News of the $50 million gift to Virginia Tech and the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute from the Red Gates Foundation drew attention in news outlets across Virginia into Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, health behaviors researcher Alexandra DiFeliceantonio was quoted in multiple publications, and a discovery by the lab of cardiovascular scientist John Chappell drew coverage in the scientific press.
- More than a dozen newspapers, radio stations and television news broadcasts shared news of the record-tying Red Gates gift, including quotes from Michael Friedlander and others. Some of the outlets with stories were The Roanoke Times, Cardinal News, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, WSLS TV (Roanoke), WWBT TV (Richmond), Virginia Business, Radio IQ | WVTF, the Washington Business Journal, and Philanthropy News Digest.
- Alexandra DiFeliceantonio continues to be sought out by national media for her insights on the addictive aspects of ultra-processed foods. She was recently quoted in stories on National Public Radio and in Scientific American.
- Applied Radiology and Medical Xpress both featured news of the discovery by John Chappell and his lab of a molecule in the body's microvasculature that could play a crucial in the regulation of that system.
View the full list of media mentions.
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Here's how you can support the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute in advancing human health through science:
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