The Wistar Institute
The Wistar Institute is a pioneering biomedical research organization specializing in cancer, immunology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development, known for its comprehensive research centers and educational programs.
History of The Wistar Institute
Founded in 1892, The Wistar Institute holds the distinction of being the first independent biomedical research institute in the United States. Over the years, the institute has established itself as a global leader in biomedical research, particularly in the areas of cancer, immunology, infectious disease, and vaccine development.
Wistar Institute Cancer Center
The Wistar Institute's Cancer Center, named the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center, focuses on cutting-edge research in cancer biology. The center aims to translate basic research findings into innovative therapeutic approaches to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Various disciplines such as immuno-oncology are integrated to address and combat complex cancer challenges.
Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center
The Wistar Institute's Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center specializes in research fields including immunology, virology, and immuno-oncology. The center works on developing new vaccines and therapeutic strategies to fight infectious diseases and boost the immune system's ability to combat cancer.
Educational and Training Programs at The Wistar Institute
The Wistar Institute provides comprehensive educational and training programs catering to high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students. Programs such as the Caspar Wistar Fellows Program, Biomedical Technician Training Program, and Fox Biomedical Research Technician Apprenticeship are designed to develop the next generation of biomedical researchers and technicians.
Wistar Institute's Shared Research Facilities
The Wistar Institute offers multiple shared resources to support its research initiatives. These include the Animal Facility, Bioinformatics Facility, Flow Cytometry Facility, Genomics Facility, Imaging Facility, and others. For example, the Genomics Facility supports various nucleic acid-based studies such as RNA sequencing and single-cell sequencing, while the Imaging Facility provides advanced microscopy and imaging services. The Animal Facility has been accredited by AAALAC International since 1998.