I²NM² is a campus wide research center dedicated to the discovery and application of fundamental and translational medical science based upon previously unexplored chemistry combined with nanotechnology and the biosciences. I²NM² will shortly become the international leader in the reinvigorated field of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a cell-selective binary radiation method for cancer, arthritis and evolving non-invasive surgical protocols. The BNCT program will be conducted with the dedicated neutron source now under construction at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR; the most powerful university-based research reactor in the world) and the use of the life sciences laboratory of the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, including small animal facilities. I²NM² is housed in its own 30,000 ft² laboratory building in Reactor Park adjacent to the MURR and the Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center.
I²NM² is engaged in multifaceted research projects involving the creation of novel materials, devices and agents enhanced by nanotechnology with applications in medicine, related materials science and beyond.
The unique strength of I²NM² is its new approach to medical inventions and its developing position as the strongest research facility for the development of boron neutron capture therapy of cancer in the world. These efforts are supported by superbly equipped laboratories with great strength in chemical synthesis coupled with nanotechnology, biological chemistry, radiation biology and medicine. I²NM² is dedicated to truly translational medicine.
I²NM² is currently staffed by seven faculty and three adjunct faculty in chemistry and radiation biology. Positions for additional academics in several fields exist at all levels. A research team of approximately twenty researchers is currently employed. The Institute is funded by the NIH, DOE, NSF, Honeywell and the Washington Savannah River Company.
Collaborators
MU School of Medicine
MU Research Reactor (MURR)
Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center
Picatinny Arsenal
Idaho National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory
MU College of Veterinary Medicine
Honeywell