About Research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School 

 

UMMS from the sky The University of Massachusetts Medical School, established in 1970, is a major force in both basic and clinical research.  Our areas of concentrations include 

  • diabetes 
  • molecular genetics 
  • immunology, virology 
  • AIDS 
  • cancer 
  • signal transduction 
  • structural biology (with attention to innovative drug design) 
  • prevention 
  • bone cell biology 
  • chemical biology 
  • gene function and expression 
  • neurosciences 
  • imaging 
  • occupational and environmental health. 

The scientific climate at the University of Massachusetts Medical School is conducive to the conduct of interdisciplinary research.  The extraordinary resourcefulness of the faculty and their commitment to excellence have contributed significantly to the success of our research initiatives. 

Main Campus 

  • UMMS main campus is comprised of the School of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Graduate School of Nursing. Basic and clinical research is carried out in the sciences building; 
  • Two Biotech is a 75,000 square foot research facility in the Massachusetts Biotechnology Research Park; 
  • Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute  is a 50,000 square-foot research facility adjacent to Worcester State Mental Health Hospital and the Biotechnology Research Park; 
  • Four Biotech – Level Three provides another 33,000 square feet dedicated to research; 
  • The Aaron Lazare Medical Research building adjacent to the campus parking garage is a 10-story, 360,000-square-foot research building; and 
  • An integrated clinical system (UMass Memorial Health Care) that includes a 388-bed, teaching hospital on the main UMMS campus. 

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center 

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center located in Waltham, founded in 1969, is one of the first Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers (MRDDRC) and University Affiliated Programs (UAP) in the United States. Because of Eunice Kennedy Shriver's life long commitment to improving the welfare of persons with mental retardation, the Center was named in her honor. 

Massachusetts Biologics Laboratory 

The MBL , located in Jamaica Plain, is the only publicly operated, FDA-licensed vaccine manufacturing facility in the country. Throughout their history, the labs have introduced vaccines that are used throughout the state to prevent diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and other diseases. 

External Funding 

Scientist at work UMMS has achieved world-class status in the area or research. Conducted in the laboratory, ambulatory clinic and at the bedside, UMMS research contributes significantly to medical science and to the state's economy, as well as enhancing our ability to attract outstanding faculty members for all three schools. UMMS is in the top 40 among the nation's medical schools with extramural research funding totals over $174 million.  UMMS is committed to research growth as we continue to enhance our 

  • contribution to the understanding, treatment, and prevention of diseases 
  • educational mission 
  • clinical mission 
  • economic contributions to the region and to the entire Commonwealth. 

Research Giving 

The generous support of many donors has benefited medical research, patient care and education at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  This support continues to positively impact the many scientific advancements ongoing at the Medical School. 

Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer 

Research investments lead to new technologies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Many of the medical breakthroughs developed in UMMS laboratories have significant commercial potential. The  Office of Technology Management (OTM)  is the link between the UMMS faculty and industry. 

For the faculty, it evaluates technologies, shepherds them through the patenting process, identifies potential industry collaborators and negotiates agreements for funded research and other commercial relationships. 

For industry, it serves as a central repository for information about inventions and potential research collaborations and as a sophisticated partner in negotiating agreements.