The Beckman Institute focuses on three themes: molecular science and engineering, integrative imaging, and intelligent systems.

Its core research facilities include the Biomedical Imaging Center and the Imaging Technology Group (ITG), which also includes Beckman's Microscopy Suite and Visualization Laboratory.

Researchers demonstrate new cancer drug development method

Emad Tajkhorshid poses by journal covers
Researchers from the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois Chicago collaborated to highlight lipid-protein interaction as a new avenue for oncology drug development.

Research: Reading for pleasure can strengthen memory in older adults

Exterior of Beckman Institute at nighttime. Lights in the building are on and trees along path to the building are illuminated.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute, with help from the Champaign Public Library, investigated the potential benefits of reading in improving memory. They found that regular, engaged leisure reading can strengthen memory skills in older adults, laying the groundwork for better practices in...

New ultrasound tool measures blood flow, images microvasculature in the brain

Standing: Pengfei Song (left); Dan Llano. Seated: Qi You.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a technique for producing super-resolution ultrasound images of tissue microvasculature in just a fraction of the time previously needed. Their work could enable future research into the neurovascular mechanisms behind conditions like Alzheimer’s...

PhD student named a Beckman Institute Graduate Fellow

Defne Gorgun Ozgulbas poses for headshot in Beckman Institute.
The Beckman Institute has announced seven University of Illinois students as 2022 Beckman Institute Graduate Fellows, including MCB PhD student Defne Gorgun Ozgulbas from the Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology.