The mission of the Center of Excellence for Aging and Brain Repair is to develop new therapeutic strategies to promote repair and regeneration of the aging and diseased brain. Building on a foundation of excellence in basic and clinical research, we focus on translating innovative ideas into industrial partnerships, educational and clinical services to address key needs of the community and those suffering from brain injury and disease. The Center has the capabilities for transforming basic science from bench research to the clinic and to biotechnology companies based along the I-4 corridor. It also serves as a national and international resource for this type of research transfer.

Contributions to Community

Already, USF has national distinction concerning aging studies and new ways to repair the nervous system affected by neurodegenerative diseases. The Center has the capabilities for translating USF science to biotechnology companies based along Florida's Hi Tech corridor. Many Center faculty have received Florida Hi-Tech Corridor and NIH Small Business grants with Tampa Bay Industrial Partners. Lastly, the Center serves as a national and international resource for potential commercialization of USF's intellectual property. Core personnel with a proven record of accomplishment are already in place at USF.

Achievements

This Center has already achieved multiple goals, including:

• Performing first rate research
• Obtaining multiple Federal and State funded awards
• Developing patents and biotechnology transfer useful to the University
• Promoting graduate education
• Providing Florida residents with state-of-the-art clinical care through novel clinical trials