Mission and Objectives

Fundamental research into the basic processes of living cells and tissues is crucial to future advances in medicine and biotechnology. Indeed, in few fields of study are basic discovery and practical applications so closely intertwined. In 1993 The University established the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology to focus efforts on the revolutionary developments occurring in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and genomics. The objectives of the ICMB are:

  • to build a world-class multidisciplinary research and teaching center in cellular and molecular biology;

  • to focus basic research efforts on molecular genetics and molecular biology problems that will advance our understanding of disease processes and methods for therapy or cure;

  • to build a multidisciplinary center of excellence for biotechnology.

In support of these goals, the Institute fosters development of Cellular and Molecular Biology programs at the University of Texas in several ways. It provides a base for faculty recruiting in the area of Molecular Biology in the various Life Science departments. The ICMB also provides the home and support base for the UT Graduate Program in Molecular Biology. In addition, the Institute is responsible for developing and maintaining essential shared support facilities for Cellular and Molecular Biology research.

Under the leadership of Dr. Alan Lambowitz, ICMB Director, the Institute has recruited (and continues to recruit) outstanding scientists to advance the Institute's research objectives. Among these recruits is nationally recognized alcoholism researcher Dr. Adron Harris, who has assumed directorship of a newly established center of excellence for research into the molecular genetic basis of alcoholism and other addictions. This important initiative was established by J. Virgil and M. June Waggoner with a major gift of $5 million, to be matched by other funding. Another of these recent additions to the ICMB Team is Dr. Kenneth Johnson, the Roger J. Williams Centennial Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Johnson's research is directed at uncovering the basic mechanisms of retroviral replication relevant to the treatment of AIDS.