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

Center for Catalysis & Surface Science (CCSS)
Develops new catalysts to optimize the sustainability of industrial and consumer goodsAffiliate of Trienens Institute

Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHIMAD)
Materials design approach for accelerated integration of technology to industryAffiliate of NAISE

Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration & Research in Astrophysics (CIERA)
Advances interdisciplinary astrophysics research and education
Center for Molecular Quantum Transduction (CMQT)
CMQT develops fundamental knowledge needed to exchange information between differing molecular quantum properties essential to quantum information science and technologyAffiliate of Trienens Institute

Center for Regenerative Nanomedicine (CRN)
Fosters new research in regenerative medicine using nanotechnology strategiesAffiliate of SQI

Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS)
Enriches scientific studies in the arts and conservationAffiliate of MRC

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
Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP)
Catalyzes interdisciplinary research on complex questions underlying health and disease
Computationally-Based Imaging of Structure in Materials (CuBISM)
An interdisciplinary research and educational program at the intersection of science and art, investigating computationally based structure in the materials used to create works of artAffiliate of MRC

Convergence Science & Medicine Institute (CSMI)
Develops new forms of biomolecules at the nanoscale to advance personalized medicine, diagnostics, therapeutics, and immunologyAffiliate of IIN

Initiative at Northwestern 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
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.

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
International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN)
Catalyzes and unites cutting-edge nanotechnology research educational programs, and supporting infrastructure
Materials Research Center (MRC)
Advances cross-disciplinary materials science research, collaboration and commercial innovation
Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)
Facilitates research in nanoscience and engineering of multifunctional material structuresAffiliate of MRC

Northwestern - Argonne Institute of Science & Engineering (NAISE)
Fosters research collaborations in energy, biological systems and national security
Northwestern Center for Water Research (NCWR)
Unites cross-disciplinary research to achieve solutions to water challengesAffiliate of NAISE

Northwestern-Fermilab Center for Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology (CAPST)
Explores superconductivity for applications ranging from particle accelerators to quantum computing.
Northwestern University Atomic & Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE)
Operates a state-of-the-art analytical characterization instrumentation facility
Northwestern University Clinical & Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Accelerates translational innovation by providing consultative resources and expertise
Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy
Enterprise-wide Institute for global sustainability and energy research, education, and engagement
Program of African Studies (PAS)
Facilitates research and education on Africa for faculty, students and professionals
Proteomics Center of Excellence (PCE)
Develops new proteomics technologies for translational and clinical researchAffiliate of CLP

Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics (QSIB)
Develops Bio-integrated electronic technologies that provide revolutionary capabilities for biomedical research and clinical healthcare
Ronald & JoAnne Willens Center for Nano Oncology (WCNO)
Develops and applies advances in nanotechnology to the diagnosis and treatment of cancerAffiliate of IIN

Science in Society (SIS)
Addresses STEM education needs for underserved groups through long-term partnerships and authentic learning experiences
Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology (SQI)
Promotes research convergence in basic science, engineering, and medicine to improve human health
Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental Resource (SHYNE)
Provides access to cutting-edge nanotechnology facilities and expertise to academic, small business and industry researchersAffiliate of NUANCE
