Research and Innovation to Translate Basic Science into Product Candidates
The Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS) translates fundamental research into innovative product candidates, technologies, and services that deliver benefits to human health and well-being. Our specific objectives are to: (1) Become a catalyst and resource for ‘applied’ and ‘translational’ R&D activities; (2) Establish industry engagement models and industry collaborations; (3) Contribute to workforce development; and (4) Participate to innovation & entrepreneurship culture on campus.
Upcoming Events
Startup Law Office Hours
Intellectual Property Law Office Hours with Tani Chen
For many technology-based startups creating and securing intellectual property is essential to building a company development and fund raising. Patents, copyrighting, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing are all tools that can be used to build value. Founders are challenged to leverage these tools to create value and reduce risk, while constrained by scarce resources and before they have retained intellectual property counsel for the company.
Startup Law Office Hours
Recent News
New Cryo-Electron Microscope Brings ‘Resolution Revolution’ to Campus
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) allows scientists to view biological molecules at a level of detail that was once unimaginable by sending electrons through samples frozen in ice.
IALS Researchers and REOFTech Receive Funding to Train AI to Support the Relationship Between Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Their Caregivers
Michael Busa, director for the Center for Human Health and Performance and technology and consulting company, REOFTech, have been awarded $280,000 from Mass AITC to conduct a pilot study to develop a new at-home technology platform to help patients and their caretakers manage Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD).
NMR Core Facility Receives $4.4 Million from MLSC for Advanced Atomic Resolution Instrument
IALS has received more than $4.4 million from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) to acquire an 800 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. This high-field atomic resolution instrument will aid researchers working to develop the next generation of drugs to treat high unmet-need diseases, including various types of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Translational Research
Center for Bioactive Delivery
CBD creates new ways to deliver “The right drug to the right place: by creating novel delivery platforms for small and large molecules.” Developing a wide range of delivery platforms matched to bioactive molecular delivery needs based on fundamental design principles, including nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, hybrid particles, bacteria, and hydrogels.
Center for Personalized Health Monitoring
CPHM seeks to tackle real-world problems in the emerging field of digital healthcare, wearable sensor technologies, and personalized, precision healthcare delivery, interfacing closely with provider networks, hospitals, and industry across the Massachusetts Commonwealth, and the world.
Models to Medicine Center
M2M leverages mechanistic insights into molecular pathways implicated in cell health and in disease pathology to identify novel drug targets and therapeutic candidates.
Welcome to the IALS Virtual Tour
Shared Resources
We work together with researchers toward a singular goal: advancing applied science and technology to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The UMass Amherst Core Facilities offer expertise and resources that create new opportunities, not only for scientific achievement, but also for establishing new models of collaboration.
Cell Culture
Two cell culture facilities for both biological and bio-engineering approaches. Biosafety cabinets, incubators and general wet lab supplies.
NMR
Elucidates structure, conformation, dynamics and interactions between the molecules
Roll-to-Roll Fabrication & Processing
Custom, moving web-based tools for translational advanced materials & nanomanufacturing processes
Featured Content
Innovation Services
IALS Venture Development programs are here to help you! Our programs support development of startups and industry partnerships by UMass researchers based upon their technologies and product concepts.
Student Engagement
Providing students from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) hands-on training and experience in the use and operation of a state-of-the art research equipment, experience gathering data and data analysis, and the development of team science.
Funding & Benefits
IALS Research Centers (CBD, CPHM, M2M) contribute incentive funds to stimulate novel uses of the Core Facilities as well as subsidize training for student users. The IALS midigrant is a flexible seed fund mechanism up to $20,000 to enable new translational research and explore new collaborations within IALS. The Manning/IALS Innovation Grants provide up to $100,000/award to advance translational and applied R&D efforts from faculty groups and startup companies.