Vision

Vision for the Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research (IFBR) at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

We seek to develop a cluster of synergizing high-quality basic and translational research programs where investigators focus on the fundamental research that drives advances in pediatric medicine.  

Consistent with its name, the IFBR is a home for all basic research on the St. Petersburg campus of Johns Hopkins Medicine. Because of our relatively small size, it is realized that we need to focus on key areas of strength that partner well with translational goals of JHACH and that fortify interactions with JH Departments, Centers, and Programs in Baltimore. A particular cross-cutting theme will be integrating molecular metabolism, genomics and cellular signaling mechanisms and pathways into translational alliances with the institutes/departments within JHACH. We envision that our basic and translational scientists will share a commitment to work towards the common goal of developing new treatments, diagnostics, and cures through understanding the cellular and biochemical mechanisms that drive disease development and progression. The goal of our basic research programs is to establish a cutting-edge, discovery-based enterprise that is supported through academic programs, specialty cores and shared-resources that fully and strategically integrate expertise located at both the Florida and the Baltimore campuses of the University.

The successful execution of these plans will enable the growth of a world class research program based on a “Culture of Science” to develop that is worthy of the exceptional reputation for excellence in research and patient care that is consistent with Johns Hopkins Medicine’s mission.

Strategy:

Integration of fundamental discovery-based science through IFBR basic scientists within the JHACH community to realize the goal for a “bench to bedside/Community" of breakthrough science dedicated to the improvement of the health of children.

We currently have a core group of nine basic science labs led by Principal Investigators at JHACH. In partnership with Dr. Neil Goldenberg, we have established interdisciplinary research  partnerships with clinical/translational investigators with IFBR PIs for group research project areas that are identified as central to the JHACH mission. This effort is currently supported through a recurring seminar program with internal and external speakers and a postdoctoral training program to enrich the Academic environment.

The institute relies on a diverse network of funding successes including grants made available only in the State of Florida, the JHAC foundation and other foundations.

Goals:

We plan to recruit additional basic science faculty in partnership with our institute/department partners to enhance synergy and maximize utilization of the available JHACH resources and research space in the Research and Education Building (REB) on the JHACH campus. We are committed to further develop robust internship, graduate, and post-graduate training programs and expand them to include physicians carrying out bench research as part of their residency/fellowship training. Engagement of local partner institutions including the Translational Research Institute at Advent Health, University of South Florida and Moffitt Cancer Center are critical for success. As part of this effort, we sponsor an annual symposium organized together with our local partners that will enhance pur goals and facilitate the enrichment of our “Culture of Science” within the JHACH Academic community.