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University Research Institutes & Centers

About the structure and lifecycle of URICs
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Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science (CBES)

Discovers and develops bio-inspired systems that reveal new connections between energy and matter
CBES Website
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Center for Catalysis & Surface Science (CCSS)

Develops new catalysts to optimize the sustainability of industrial and consumer goods
Affiliate of Trienens Institute
CCSS Website
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Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHIMAD)

Materials design approach for accelerated integration of technology to industry
Affiliate of NAISE
CHIMAD Website
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Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration & Research in Astrophysics (CIERA)

Advances interdisciplinary astrophysics research and education
CIERA WEBSITE
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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 technology
Affiliate of Trienens Institute
CMQT Website
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Center for Regenerative Nanomedicine (CRN)

Fosters new research in regenerative medicine using nanotechnology strategies
Affiliate of SQI
CRN Website
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Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS)

Enriches scientific studies in the arts and conservation
Affiliate of MRC
NU-ACCESS Website
CSCB Website

Center for Sleep & Circadian Biology (CSCB)

Advances basic and translational research on sleep and circadian rhythms
CSCB Website
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Center for Synthetic Biology (CSB)

Creates engineered biological systems for compelling applications in medicine, materials, and energy
CSB Website
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Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP)

Catalyzes interdisciplinary research on complex questions underlying health and disease
CLP Website
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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 art
Affiliate of MRC
CUBISM Website
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Convergence Science & Medicine Institute (CSMI)

Develops new forms of biomolecules at the nanoscale to advance personalized medicine, diagnostics, therapeutics, and immunology
Affiliate of IIN
CSMI Website
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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
INQUIRE Website
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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.

DEVSCI Website
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Institute for Policy Research (IPR)

Advances interdisciplinary, nonpartisan social science research on key policy-relevant issues
IPR Website
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Institute for Sexual & Gender Minority Health & Wellbeing (ISGMH)

Conducts research to improve the health of SGM communities
ISGMH Website
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Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa (ISITA)

Facilitates interdisciplinary research on the Islamic tradition of learning in Africa
ISITA Website
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International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN)

Catalyzes and unites cutting-edge nanotechnology research educational programs, and supporting infrastructure
IIN Website
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Materials Research Center (MRC)

Advances cross-disciplinary materials science research, collaboration and commercial innovation
MRC Website
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Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)

Facilitates research in nanoscience and engineering of multifunctional material structures
Affiliate of MRC
MRSEC Website
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Northwestern - Argonne Institute of Science & Engineering (NAISE)

Fosters research collaborations in energy, biological systems and national security
NAISE Website
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Northwestern Center for Water Research (NCWR)

Unites cross-disciplinary research to achieve solutions to water challenges
Affiliate of NAISE
NCWR Website
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Northwestern-Fermilab Center for Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology (CAPST)

Explores superconductivity for applications ranging from particle accelerators to quantum computing.
CAPST Website
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Northwestern University Atomic & Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE)

Operates a state-of-the-art analytical characterization instrumentation facility
NUANCE Website
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Northwestern University Clinical & Translational Sciences (NUCATS)

Accelerates translational innovation by providing consultative resources and expertise
NUCATS Website
Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy image

Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy

Enterprise-wide Institute for global sustainability and energy research, education, and engagement
Trienens Institute Website
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Program of African Studies (PAS)

Facilitates research and education on Africa for faculty, students and professionals
PAS Website
PCE

Proteomics Center of Excellence (PCE)

Develops new proteomics technologies for translational and clinical research
Affiliate of CLP
PCE Website
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Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics (QSIB)

Develops Bio-integrated electronic technologies that provide revolutionary capabilities for biomedical research and clinical healthcare
QSIB Website
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Ronald & JoAnne Willens Center for Nano Oncology (WCNO)

Develops and applies advances in nanotechnology to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Affiliate of IIN
WCNO Website
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Science in Society (SIS)

Addresses STEM education needs for underserved groups through long-term partnerships and authentic learning experiences
SIS Website
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Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology (SQI)

Promotes research convergence in basic science, engineering, and medicine to improve human health
SQI Website
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Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental Resource (SHYNE)

Provides access to cutting-edge nanotechnology facilities and expertise to academic, small business and industry researchers
Affiliate of NUANCE
SHYNE Website
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Spatial Intelligence & Learning Center (SILC)

Transforms spatial learning programs by uniting scientists and educators
SILC Website

Links to School and Unit-based INSTITUTES & Centers