Office of the Director

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to CABM!

CABM, the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, was chartered in 1985 by the New Jersey

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Commission on Science and Technology. Its mission was to be a center of excellence to enhance research and training programs in the life sciences at UMDNJ and at Rutgers University. With the great vision and leadership of Founding Director Dr. Aaron J. Shatkin, CABM developed into an internationally recognized institute for research, teaching, and training. Over the past 30 years, CABM laboratories have attracted more than $300 million in research funding and have provided training experiences for more than a thousand graduate students and postdoctoral fellows as well as a large number of undergraduate students.

I have just begun to serve as director, succeeding the remarkable Dr. Ann Stock, who nurtured CABM for many years. Her dedication to both the creation of knowledge and to service is emblematic of the spirit of CABM, and fortunately, she will continue her long-term faculty position. Dr. Stock is one of a number of CABM faculty members who are researchers and who also provide the important academic glue that keeps our institutions vibrant.

CABM scientists are dedicated to their mission to make fundamental discoveries in biomedical research, to develop new technologies, and to translate these to improve human health. Research programs at CABM have been increasing our understanding of the molecular basis of infectious diseases, cancer, and neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. This work has been leading toward to new therapies for diseases including AIDS, influenza, bacterial infections, leukemia and lymphoma, autism, and metabolic disorders.

CABM looks forward to the new opportunities afforded by the integration of UMDNJ into Rutgers University. As a jointly administered Center since its inception, CABM has benefited greatly from the combined strengths of the two universities. CABM continues to serve as a hub for basic science activities, bridging departments at Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences and at the RBHS-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. This year we are excited to begin developing a program in Microbiome science, involving CABM faculty, other faculty at the two Rutgers campuses, and with collaborators around the world. As we embrace change and growth that will enhance our future, we remain committed to perpetuating the CABM culture of excellence, a spirit of collaboration, and a friendly environment that facilitates the joy of discovery. We welcome you to explore our faculty and their accomplishments, the flourishing programs, and opportunities for training. Most of all, we welcome you to learn about our faculty, staff, and students who form the CABM community, and how we are trying to realize our important missions!

Sincerely,

Martin J. Blaser, MD
Director