Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL)

Research mdi Biological Laboratory scientists are pioneering new approaches to regenerative medicine focused on understanding the biology of regeneration and aging, as well as developing therapies that activate the body's natural ability to heal and slow age-related degenerative changes. The highlights of the institution's 2019 achievements included: recruited dr. iain drummond as professor and director of the kathryn w. davis center for regenerative medicine and aging. Dr. drummond, who came to the mdi Biological Laboratory from Massachusetts general hospital and harvard university, will establish an international research program in kidney regeneration and tissue repair. He will also assume the role of principal investigator of the nih funded center of biomedical research excellence (cobre)program. Receipt of a 1,000,000 gift from an anonymous donor to help support the expansion of our research programs. Continued to advance scientific discovery in the fields of aging, heart regeneration, nerve regeneration and wound healing through the publication of 24 peer-reviewed research findings in prestigious scientific journals. Received 21.5 million in competitive federal grants.

Education the mdi Biological Laboratory provides hands-on biomedical training to hundreds of students and professionals from around the world each year. The mdi Biological Laboratory leads a statewide biomedical research and training network made up of 13 education and research institutions throughout Maine. The network prepares students for 21st century careers and equips faculty with the skills and resources to expand research capacity statewide. The highlights of the institution's 2019 achievements include: offered more than 32 international courses serving more than 667 students from around the world and representing all levels of education, from high school students to science and medical professionals. Utilized annecdata, a software porgram developed at the mdi Biological Laboratory, to aid 2,787 citizen scientists in sharing more than 22,000 observations from over 50 countries. As part of a federally funded national institutes of health science education partnership award, collected and analyzed 532 well water samples from Maine and new hampshire for the presence of arsenic. Continued a highly regarded series of outreach activities, including family science night and mdi science cafes, to engage the public in the institution's research and education programs and to promote scientific literacy.