
University Research Institutes & Centers
About the structure and lifecycle of URICs

Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration & Research in Astrophysics (CIERA)
Advances interdisciplinary astrophysics research and education
Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP)
Uses precise knowledge of human proteins to defeat disease and launch the next era of precision medicine
Affiliate:
Proteomics Center of Excellence (PCE)

Center for Regenerative Nanomedicine (CRN)
Nanotechnology innovation to advance breakthroughs in regenerative medicine
Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology (CSCB)
Advances basic and translational research on sleep and circadian rhythms
Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB)
Creates engineered biological systems for compelling applications in medicine, materials, and energy
Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DEVSCI)
To motivate and lead transformative science to engender a “healthier, earlier” population– beginning even before birth– and continuing throughout the lifespan.

International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN)
Catalyzes and unites cutting-edge nanotechnology research educational programs, and supporting infrastructure
Affiliates:
Convergence Science & Medicine Institute (CSMI)
Ronald & JoAnne Willens Center for Nano Oncology (WCNO)

Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE)
Integrate and advance its strengths in quantum science, a field that promises to transform communications, security, metrology, sensing, and computing
Affiliates:
Center for Molecular Quantum Transduction (CMQT)
Northwestern-Fermilab Center for Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology (CAPST)

Institute for Policy Research (IPR)
Advances interdisciplinary, nonpartisan social science research on key policy-relevant issues
Institute for Sexual & Gender Minority Health & Wellbeing (ISGMH)
Conducts research to improve the health of SGM communities
Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa (ISITA)
Facilitates interdisciplinary research on the Islamic tradition of learning in Africa
Materials Research Center (MRC)
Advances cross-disciplinary materials science research, collaboration and commercial innovation
Affiliates:
Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS)
Computationally-Based Imaging of Structure in Materials (CuBISM)
Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)

Northwestern - Argonne Institute for Scientific & Engineering Excellence (NAISE)
Fosters research collaborations in energy, biological systems and national security
Affiliates:
Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHIMAD)
Northwestern Center for Water Research (NCWR)

National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB)
Integrates math and biology to transform research in both fields

Northwestern University Atomic & Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE)
Operates a state-of-the-art analytical characterization instrumentation facility
Affiliates:
Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental Resource (SHYNE)

Northwestern University Clinical & Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Accelerates translational innovation by providing consultative resources and expertise
Program of African Studies (PAS)
Facilitates research and education on Africa for faculty, students and professionals
Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics (QSIB)
Develops Bio-integrated electronic technologies that provide revolutionary capabilities for biomedical research and clinical healthcare
Spatial Intelligence & Learning Center (SILC)
Transforms spatial learning programs by uniting scientists and educators
NSF-Simons AI Institute for the Sky (SkAI)
Develops and leverages AI tools to accelerate astronomy’s data-driven revolution

Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy
Enterprise-wide Institute for global sustainability and energy research, education, and engagement