Introduction
Multidisciplinary collaboration is critical to effectively explore research frontiers at intersections of the sciences, engineering and medicine (SEM). The diverse talents and mutual research interests of selected faculty at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) provide an excellent opportunity for collaboration in these frontiers.
Initiative goals
The overall goal of this program is to initiate and enhance the competitiveness of inter-institutional research collaborations in SEM for Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health or other federal funding sources. More specifically, we seek to create diverse teams that can solve complex challenges to prevent, improve detection, diagnosis, remote monitoring and/or treatment of disease (see examples below).
Retreat and follow-up events: A retreat will be held to bring together potential collaborators.
Date: March 8, 2016
Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel and Conference Center
12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska 68128
Schedule: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Lunch provided
Registration: http://research.unl.edu/events/event2.php?eventID=1877
Each participant will very briefly present a problem they would like to solve or their research strengths in one of the areas listed below. Depending on the number of registrants, presentations will be made using a single PowerPoint slide (possibly in parallel groups) or as posters. There will be ample time for discussions to further explore ideas and possible collaborations.
Following the retreat, an RFA will be issued for interdisciplinary seed grants. Seed grants will provide up to $100,000 over a two-year period, with the goal of generating preliminary results to increase competitiveness for federal funding.
Points of contact for more Information
UNL: Steve Goddard, goddard@unl.edu
UNMC: Paula Turpen, pbturpen@unmc.edu
Potential areas for collaboration include, but are not limited to:
- biomedical sensing technologies/new diagnostics and therapeutics
- wearable technologies for early indication of health changes
- non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement
- human/biological physical interfaces
- wearable technology to improve human performance (stamina, strength)
- amputee-specific technologies to optimize function
- vision and hearing restoration devices
- implantable medical devices
- mechanisms to promote extra corporeal oxygenation
- regenerative medicine
- scaffolds for tissue engineering, including 3D bioprinting
- cell-based treatments to restore damaged tissue: skin, nerve, etc.
- nanomaterials/biocompatible materials
- theranostics for drug delivery and diagnostics
- new surface technology to prevent infection
- joint or other structural replacement materials
- biomaterials that promote wound healing or hemostasis
- bioimaging innovations
- diagnostic and therapeutic applications
- novel imaging agents and devices
- early detection of, or protection against, chemical, biological, and/or radiological agents detrimental to health
- rapid multi-pathogen/multi-phenotype detection
- ultra-rapid, low power multiplexed molecular diagnostic point-of-care devices
- personal chemical hazard detector
- remote health technologies
- phone or web-based diagnostics
- patient transport data sharing
- technologies for behavior analysis and intervention
