Research Areas

Isn’t Science Beautiful?

We believe that science solves problems, saves lives, and benefits human life on a global scale. If that’s not beautiful, we don’t know what is.

A microbial community-scale metabolic model of an individual’s gut generated by MICOM data and Gephi. Credit: Gibbons Lab/ISB

A microbial community-scale metabolic model of an individual’s gut generated by MICOM data and the data visualization tool Gephi. Image credit: Gibbons Lab/ISB

What does ISB mean to you?

Innovative Scientific Breakthroughs. Investigating Science Boldly. Inventing Superior BiotechIsn’t Science Beautiful? 

ISB means many things because it does many things. Most research institutes focus on a single area, such as cancer, diabetes, or infectious disease. In contrast, we follow a systems approach, recognizing that biological systems and processes interact and influence one another in complex ways. That’s why our scientists work together in one place—pursuing multiple research paths, exchanging information, and sharing their results freely for the benefit of all.

That’s what sets us apart. And this is what it looks like.

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Research Area: Cancer

Cancer won’t cure itself.

Each person’s cancer is different, and it never stays the same for long. Deep inside tumors, cancer cells adapt and evolve, devising novel ways to evade treatment and outsmart the body’s defenses. That’s why effective treatment requires multi-dimensional approaches developed in a cooperative research environment where data is shared and new therapies are made available to all.

Cancer Research Topics

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Optimizing
Outcomes

Helping doctors and patients achieve the
best results

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Precision
Treatments

Developing new therapies and making them widely accessible

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Early Detection
and Diagnosis

Understanding and predicting what might become cancer

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Understanding
Tumors

Exploring how tumors start, grow, and respond to treatment

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Research Area: Health

We’re taking a new approach to lifetime health.

A long life is a good life only if it’s also a healthy life. We’re working to make longer and healthier lives a reality through research that’s aimed at unlocking the secrets of brain health, exploring the benefits of early maternal care, discovering the role that the microbiome plays in wellness, and expanding healthcare equity. 

Health Research Topics

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Healthspan and
Longevity

Analyzing the mechanisms of aging and longevity to achieve lifetime health

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Microbiome
Health

Digesting the role your microbiome plays in disease prevention and health

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Maternal and
Infant Health

Studying pregnant women and newborns to predict risks and develop clinical interventions

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Brain
Health

Discovering ways to preserve the organ that’s decoding this sentence

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Health
Equity

Improving healthcare by promoting wider participation in cutting-edge medical research

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Advancing
Health

Unlocking biomedical breakthroughs by integrating data and studying health impacts

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Members of the Kuchina Lab working at ISB in Seattle. (Photography by Scott Eklund/Red Box Pictures)
Research Area: Infectious Disease

Rewriting the rules of resistance.

We are developing innovative diagnostics and treatments that are designed to safeguard global health and protect local communities by preventing the spread of life-threatening infections. Our infectious disease research addresses a wide range of global health initiatives from combating influenza, tuberculosis and malaria, to addressing antimicrobial resistance and improving COVID-19 outcomes.

Infectious Disease Research Topics

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Treatments and Resistance

Fighting antimicrobial resistance and advancing alternative therapies

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Tuberculosis

Accelerating breakthroughs in detection, treatment, and resistance

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Malaria

Advancing vaccines to block transmission and improve global health

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Influenza and Lung Infections

Developing new therapies and vaccines to combat a wide range of infections

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COVID and Long COVID

Uncovering treatments and improving diagnostics for better outcomes

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Lyme Disease

Decoding the role the immune system plays in symptoms and treatment

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Research Area: Chronic Illness

Chronic illness is tenacious. So are we.

From diabetes and COPD to neurological disorders, chronic illnesses are daunting. That’s why we are actively advancing research that’s designed to expand our understanding of them. By focusing on early diagnosis, innovative therapies, and precision medicine, we hope to improve patient outcomes and accelerate breakthroughs in the prevention, treatment and management of chronic disease.

Chronic Illness Research Topics

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Type 1 Diabetes

Searching for better prevention and treatments for this chronic disorder

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Neurological Disorders

Developing precision diagnosis and treatments for PTSD and traumatic brain injury

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COPD

Improving lung function and quality of life for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients

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Genetic Disorders

Exploring innovative therapies for genetic disorders such as inherited forms of anemia

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Proteins and Disease

Enhancing our knowledge of protein interactions and their role in disease

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Autoimmune Diseases

Studying the immune system to understand chronic inflammation and autoimmunity

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Research Area: Environment

Human life thrives in a healthy environment.

Our environmental research focuses on discovering solutions for global sustainability, biodiversity and climate resilience. Research projects include carbon conservation, contaminated site remediation, and exploration of how coral reefs and microbial communities adapt to climate change. We are dedicated to developing effective strategies that will protect and preserve ecosystems and species for future generations.

Environment Research Topics

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Sustainability and Remediation

Developing strategies to rehabilitate contaminated sites and conserve carbon

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Climate Change

Studying the resilience and adaptation of ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate

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