At the forefront of science

After two decades of discovery, the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University has only just begun to address emerging global challenges for the communities that we serve.

News

Biodesign Institute as a trusted resource

With its world-class facilities, cutting-edge technologies and a talented and diverse team of scientists and engineers, the Biodesign Institute is a trusted resource for addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Our research and accomplishments have created a proven track record driven by a commitment to innovation, collaboration and making a real-world impact. By leveraging our expertise in biotechnology, engineering and advanced analytics, the Biodesign Institute is ready for what comes next.

$1 billion

Since its formation the Biodesign Institute has attracted over $1 billion in funding from grants as well as philanthropic and industry sources.

300+ projects

Scientists at the Biodesign Institute are undertaking research in over 300 active research projects.

$265 million

A 2021 Seidman Research Institute study estimated that the Biodesign Institute would have a $265 million annual impact on Arizona’s state economy.

20 years of nature-inspired research

Our accomplishments in areas such as DNA sequencing, personalized medicine and environmental sustainability, have established the institute as a world-class research center with a direct and profound impact on society.

Spotlight: Graduating student profiles

As the 2024-25 school year ends, learn more about our graduating students and how their time at the Biodesign Institute shaped their future aspirations.

Johann Valera-Vega in lab

From sea turtles to science policy: How this ASU grad found his path to a PhD

For Johann Valera-Vega, a study abroad trip to Mexico led him to overcome community skepticism about science and find his passion in environmental toxicology.

Fathima Nawaz

Mentorship helped ASU graduate find passion for immunology

After moving across the globe and receiving the ASU New American University President’s Scholarship, Fathima Nawaz’s journey led her to the Biodesign Institute, discovering how our bodies defend themselves from environmental toxins in an increasingly polluted world.

Leslie Bustamante in lab

ASU grad heads to Harvard after exploring connection between allergies and the brain

Growing up in a small town in the Sonoran Desert, first-generation student Leslie Bustamante Hernandez hopes to inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue graduate-level science.

Kelly Conrad in lab

ASU MBA graduate’s journey from cancer research to business leadership

For Kelly Conard, a first-generation college student from Chandler, Arizona, the fight against cancer is personal. She aims to merge her health care and research expertise with business and technology.

Connections leads to innovation

Biodesign is home to researchers from a variety of disciplines who come together to tackle some of humanity’s most complex challenges. Learn more about our ongoing work in the following areas of focus.

At the Biodesign Institute, we are committed to catching disease before it catches us. We are finding creative and clean solutions for energy, air and water. We are inventing diagnostics and treatments that are accessible and affordable. We are growing next-gen researchers who will do the impossible.

Joshua LaBaer, 2022 Executive Director, Biodesign Institute