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The Institute for Medical Research at Ein Kerem
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is building upon its existing strengths in medicine and maximizing its extensive “intellectual capital” by establishing an Institute for Medical Research (IMR) on its Ein Kerem campus. Ein Kerem is home to HU’s Faculty of Medicine and the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, a major locus for clinical care in Israel.
Photo Credit: Dr. Yuval Dor researches pancreatic cancerBuilding for the Future
The IMR, which also entails the construction of a six-story building, brings together seventy-five faculty in diverse fields for the purpose of interdisciplinary medical research. Designed to foster scientific interaction, the IMR organizationally and physically will enable research teams to spearhead advances. Specialties include:
- Cancer research
- Infectious and autoimmune diseases
- Cardio-vascular illnesses
- Brain and central nervous system conditions
- Genetic research
Construction for a new building is in progress and renovations are planned for older campus buildings, enabling the IMR to benefit from a combination of physical upgrades and a new, state-of-the-art facility particularly conducive to interdisciplinary research. Six academic departments affiliated with Hebrew University’s Faculty of Medicine are pooling their knowledge: molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, neurobiology, immunology and developmental biology.
Focusing on Research
Cancer and immunology research are major areas of concentration, and the Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology is an integral part of the IMR. Cardio-vascular ailments are being addressed and new therapies are being developed to repair damaged heart muscles and to control the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors. Neurobiologists, working with other specialists, are studying the brain and central nervous system in order to more effectively treat spinal cord and neurological injuries and impairments as well as diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Other projects tackle genetic diseases such as Tay Sachs, Gaucher and Niemann Pick disease. Emerging infectious diseases such as SARS, Avian flu, West Nile Fever and Anthrax are being studied. Expert in the field of bio-defense, IMR scientists are developing innovative ways to boost the human immune system response to deadly toxins, bacteria and viruses. Photo Credit:Dr.Itamar Simon and Colleagues