BSI Ideas Lab
Inspired by the National Science Foundation’s Ideas Lab model, the U-M Biosciences Initiative’s (BSI) Ideas Labs are dedicated to the pursuit of groundbreaking ideas that address challenges in the biosciences. They emphasize the discovery of key opportunities and the creation of interdisciplinary teams to tackle these complex issues.
The Ideas Lab represents a high-risk, high-reward research approach and is driven by a three-day workshop sponsored by the BSI. This event assembles approximately 25 participants through the workshop application process from various disciplines to explore and devise potential solutions to a significant challenge defined by the Ideas Lab Leadership Team.
At the Ideas Lab event, participants work closely with the Leadership team to collaborate on innovative solutions and then formulate research programs. This intensive and interactive environment fosters creativity, allowing cutting-edge ideas to emerge. Throughout the workshop, participants with shared interests in addressing the stated problem naturally form working teams, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Investing in High-Impact Research
The Ideas Lab Leadership Team selects the workshop participants, and typically, three to five research teams develop and then receive funding to pursue the ideas that emerge during the workshop. This investment underscores the BSI’s commitment to fostering innovative, high-impact research that can address some of the most pressing challenges in the biosciences.
2025 BSI Ideas Lab
We are currently seeking dynamic leaders to guide the 2025 Ideas Lab. As a director or co-director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the research challenge, selecting mentors, and leading the development of high-impact research projects
Learn more about this leadership opportunity and how to apply FULL RFA.
