Humanity Unlocking Biomaterials (HUB) Coordinating Center

Biomaterial technologies have the potential to greatly impact human health by addressing various diseases. Yet, their full benefits remain untapped due to the disconnectedness among academic researchers and limited engagement with emerging disciplines. To address this, we propose the establishment of the Humanity Unlocking Biomaterials (HUB) as an NIBIB Biomaterials Network Technology Development Coordinating Center. The HUB will address the limitations to clinical translation and commercialization of biomaterials technologies by creating a collaborative network and providing resources and roadmaps to the network for faster dissemination, technology transfer, and education. The specific aims include nucleating a broad network of biomaterials researchers via annual meetings, facilitating collaboration and coordination through virtual infrastructure, promoting a paradigm change that leverages computational modeling and simulation, disseminating advances and educational materials, engaging the network, and providing funding, via NIBIB Opportunity Funds, to accelerate the development and translation of biomaterials. Led by a team of distinguished scientists and engineers, the HUB will revolutionize biomaterials translation, promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation to advance cutting-edge technologies for clinical applications.