Albany Medical College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have entered into a formal agreement to grant reciprocal access to each other’s core research facilities. This partnership aims to enhance the research capabilities of both institutions, known for their leadership in biomedical, biotechnology, and bioengineering studies.
The collaboration is intended to foster innovation by allowing scientists from Albany Medical College to translate lab discoveries into clinical applications. Meanwhile, RPI’s researchers focus on fundamental and applied research addressing human health challenges. According to the Center for Economic Growth, these two institutions contributed significantly to National Institutes of Health research grants in the Capital Region during fiscal year 2024.
“This new partnership reflects our shared commitment to accelerating research through collaboration, efficiency, and innovation,” stated Alan S. Boulos, MD ’94, The Lynne and Mark D. Groban, MD ’67 Distinguished Dean of Albany Medical College. He emphasized that this agreement will expand biomedical research opportunities in the region.
Historically, scientists from both institutions have collaborated on various studies without having direct access to each other’s facilities. “This agreement builds upon the long-standing relationship between RPI and Albany Medical College,” said Juergen Hahn, PhD, professor at RPI.
The facilities include advanced imaging technologies such as Albany Medical College’s Nikon AXR MP multiphoton microscope and RPI’s Leica TCS SP8 STED Microscope. These instruments are complemented by specialized software tools and high-performance computing systems available at both locations.
Margarida Barroso, PhD from Albany Medical College highlighted the significance of their new microscope: “With two photons and two laser lines, it can produce large, high-definition images extremely fast.”
Additionally, the partnership allows faculty members or those under their supervision access to technical services unique to each institution’s expertise.
