Utah's Excellence in Research

Just as Utah is known for its unique and diverse geographical beauty, research at the University of Utah is recognized for its unique strengths in diverse fields. The Brain Institute was established here because addressing questions about basic brain function requires exactly the research strengths that this university offers.

• Gene Discovery. The university is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in identifying genes involved in human disease. In fact, more human disease genes have been discovered in Utah than in any other place in the world.

• Population Studies. The Utah Population Database is unique in the world as a population and genetics research resource. Maintained by the university and enhanced with genealogical records from the LDS Church’s Family History Library, it holds information for over 11 million individuals with Utah ties, dating back to the late 1700s.

• Mouse Models of Human Disease. The revolutionary technique of mouse gene targeting was developed here at the university. This method now is used worldwide to create mouse strains that mimic the effects of human diseases.

• Computer Science. As one of the four original Internet nodes and a pioneer in modern computer graphics, the university enjoys a tradition of achievement in the computer sciences. Today, the university’s renowned Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute develops groundbreaking methods for analyzing brain-imaging data, used by scientists to study normal and diseased brains.

• Engineering. University engineers are developing systems that will restore lost functions in the human body. These include wireless electrodes that, when implanted in the brain, would provide artificial vision or stimulate paralyzed body parts - helping people with disabilities to see, walk, talk or control a computer with their thoughts.

• Imaging. The Utah Center for Advanced Imaging Research develops innovative techniques for imaging blood vessels in the neck and brain, allowing for close monitoring of aneurysm and stroke risk. Researchers at the center also have produced the most detailed images to date of nerve structure in the spinal cord.

Superior Clinical Care

The 750 doctors and over 4,300 support staff of the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics annually treat over 734,000 outpatients and 23,000 inpatients. The university also is home to the Intermountain West’s primary stroke care center.

Community and Government Support

Biomedical research at the university enjoys tremendous support from the people of Utah, many of whom eagerly participate in research projects to study inherited human disorders. In early 2005, the Utah Legislature, supported by Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., appropriated new funding to support high technology research and development at the university, including the Brain Institute.