Abstract: INFO07-FR
NU-USC O'Brien Resource Core Center: Northwestern's Interdisciplinary Approach and Innovations in Physical Science Technologies
Session Information
- Informational Posters - 2
November 07, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Bioengineering
- No subcategory defined
Authors
- Liz, Esmeralda, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Quaggin, Susan E., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Kapitsinou, Pinelopi P., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Chung, Eun ji, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Atwal, Ranjit Singh, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Judge, Sheila M., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Sharma, Swagat Hasmukhbhai, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Luiz Suzuki, Isabella, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Munshi, Hasan H., Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Description
The O’Brien Center at Northwestern University, in collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC), is one of eight O’Brien Kidney Research Centers nationwide. These centers form a national network committed to advancing kidney research through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. At Northwestern and USC, the Center focuses on integrating nanotechnology and the physical sciences to address challenges in kidney health. It is anchored by two primary scientific cores: the Biomedical Resource Core and the Resource Development Core.
The Biomedical Resource Core offers state-of-the-art nanotechnology services to the national kidney research community, supporting novel methodologies to improve kidney health. The Resource Development Core serves as a launchpad for emerging technologies, developing tools such as RNA delivery systems targeted to specific kidney cell types, single-cell screening platforms for disease and drug discovery, and techniques to map kidney structures and functions at high resolution. These technologies help bridge disciplinary boundaries and accelerate discovery.
The Administrative Core provides essential infrastructure and coordination, linking Northwestern and USC to the broader National Resource Alliance. It ensures operational alignment, drives outreach, and supports strategic initiatives to grow the national community of kidney researchers. Through its SciHigh Summer Student Enrichment Program, it provides with hands-on research experiences and exposure to kidney science - nurturing the next generation of scientists.
The O’Brien Center is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, funding to Northwestern has been frozen since March 2025, though the Center continues its work through collaboration, resource-sharing, and strategic planning.
Funding
- NU GoKidney is supported by the award U54 DK13751 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, within the National Institutes of Health. However, funding to Northwestern has been frozen since March 2025, though the Center continues its work through collaboration, resource-sharing, and strategic planning.