Mission and vision of the Institute of Molecular Biophysics
The Mission
The mission of the Institute of Molecular Biophysics is to discover, foster, and share knowledge in the pivotal areas of structural biology, systems biology, computational bio-medical physics, and neurons and neural systems to act as the hub for interdisciplinary research at Florida State University and with collaborators in the State of Florida, including USF, UF, UF-SCRIPPS, and Mayo Clinic. The Institute houses the Molecular Biophysics doctoral graduate program, a program that spans participating faculty from multiple departments and colleges.
The Vision
The Institute of Molecular Biophysics was established in the early 1960s by visionary scientist and National Science Academy member Dr. Michael Kasha. The Institute of Molecular Biophysics is dedicated to the application of physical, chemical, and biological principles to the study and understanding of complex biological phenomena and systems. The Institute has constantly rededicated its focus to study emerging fields like structural biology, in the late 1980s (with support from Lucille P. Markey Charitable Trust), computational biophysics in the late 1990s, systems biophysics and neural systems in the late 2010s, and is a world leader in the application of cryogenic electron microscopy to explore biomolecular process spanning from the molecular to the tissue level (NIH supported research center). The Institute is home to nine research groups, four core facilities, computational infrastructure, administers an NIH cryo-EM regional center, and administers the Molecular Biophysics graduate program. The Institute’s faculty expertise spans a wide range of specialties including biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, mathematics, physics, medicine, and chemical and biomedical engineering.
Aligning with University’s Vision: Our institute’s vision aligns nicely with the vision of Florida State University, “… one that places a premium on interdisciplinary inquiry and draws from the rich intellectual and personal experiences of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.” [Mission and Vision | Florida State University]
Aligning with our College’s Vision: Our institute’s vision aligns with the College of Arts & Sciences Mission and Vision “… students pursue original research or creative activity under faculty guidance.” [Mission and Vision | College of Arts and Sciences]