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Institute for Systems Biology 

Description

The Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) is a premier, non-profit research institute based in Seattle, WA. We pioneered systems biology, which harnesses and integrates the respective insights of biologists, geneticists, computer scientists, chemists, engineers, mathematicians, immunologists and others to answer some of society's most challenging questions related to health and the environment. Our research aids or enables other scientists in their work toward developing cures, treatments and preventive measures for cancers, diseases and environmental ills and paves the way for major scientific and medical achievements, making progress toward our vision for wellness.

Mission Statement
Revolutionize science, transform human health, and ensure environmental sustainability.
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Institute for Systems Biology
401 Terry Avenue North 
Seattle 
WA
98109-5234 
(206) 732-1200 

Leroy E. Hood 
President 

Programs

Institute for Systems Biology Programs

Global Health
Through partnerships and collaborations, ISB is using its systems biology approach to address global health concerns such as infectious diseases, vaccine development, and maternal and child health.

Environmental Sustainability
Our research on microorganisms will lead to new solutions related to biofuels, bioremediation, agriculture and medicine.

Education and Outreach
Our programs included professional development services for K-12 science teachers.  Through our courses, symposium, internships and professional training, we reach undergraduate and graduate students, as well.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Successes:

In July 2012, the Shmulevich Lab was invited to be one of the data analysis centers participating in The Cancer Genome Atlas project (TCGA) and co-authored a paper that appeared in the publication, Nature.

In November 2012, under the leadership of Dr. Nitin Baliga, ISB's Director for Integrative Biology, the Institute engaged in a long-term partnership with Sapphire Energy to research commercial algae production for fuel.

Currently, under the direction of Dr. Leroy Hood, ISB is using a systems biology approach to identify clinically relevant blood biomarkers for the diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Although we are in the discovery phase, the results look extremely promising.

In December 2012, Dr. Lee Hood won the National Medal of Science, the highest honor the President of the United States can bestow on a citizen.

Organization's current need
The systems biology approach to scientific discovery is very staff intensive.  To achieve the goals of our mission across the three areas outlined above and to increase our reach in the international scientific community, we need to recruit at least two new faculty members and several senior research scientists.

Evaluation


The purpose of the Institute for Systems Biology’s Center for Inquiry Science (CIS) is to train and support science educators to have the capacity to produce scientifically literate, capable students. CIS is a group of 6-8 science educators, akin to a lab group, that support Puget Sound region school districts in developing and implementing system-wide science education strategic plans. Services offered to school districts include consulting, customized professional development for classroom teachers, leadership training for coaches and administrators, and partnerships in acquiring and implementing grant-funded programs.

Proven Success
CIS’ Observing for Evidence of Learning professional development model enables whole science departments (middle or high school) to evaluate and enhance their science curricular materials. Students whose teachers have participated in this initiative have made significant gains in science achievement, outpacing the state average. The schools and students making the greatest gains are those with large numbers of low-income students (e.g., high-poverty middle schools in Seattle).

Strong Leadership
CIS has a strong, highly-respected director and science educator who has been with CIS since its inception.

Use of Best Practices
CIS takes a long-term, comprehensive approach to improving science teaching and learning within school districts. Its work with partner-districts is characterized by: 1) a systems focus (either on whole school district, or on specific grade-bands within a district; 2) multiple, customized forms of professional development for teachers and school leaders based on district needs and readiness, and 3) extensive regional and collaborative partnerships with regional colleges of education (UW, SPU), Educational Service Districts, research organizations (NOAA) and other nonprofit STEM providers like Washington MESA.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
6/10/2012 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/26/2008 $20,000.00support general operating expenses of the Center for Inquiry Science.

Financials

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