Physical Genomics Fellowship Program
As part of CPGE’s commitment to train the next generation of engineering leaders, the center is launching its Fellowship in Physical Genomics Program. The program supports projects that bridge molecular biology, bioengineering, physics, optics, chemistry, and medicine, and promotes joint research between the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and other Northwestern University Schools.
About the Center
Through a combination of breakthrough optical imaging and computational genomics, the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering (CPGE) focuses on reprogramming the genome's chromatin, which regulates gene expression, in order to treat disease and engineer living systems to overcome environmental challenges.
The Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering is part of the McCormick School of Engineering.
Center Launch Event
Symposium on Physical Genomics
Join us for the launch event for the Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering.
Learn more and registerOur Strengths
Learn more
Education
Discover mentorship programs, symposia, and opportunities for gaining practical experience available to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Knowledge Transfer
Find out how the center trains the next generation of scientists and engineers through cross-disciplinary platforms.
What is Physical Genomics?
Physical genomics is a new field that involves understanding the structure, function, and fundamental principles of the genome. With this understanding, researchers can reversibly regulate, control, and even reprogram global patterns of gene expression.
The Next Frontier in Biological Discovery
"The impact of this emerging field could be widespread: ranging from treating diseases to improving crop yields and mitigating the impact of climate change on plants."
-- Vadim Backman, Director of Center for Physical Genomics and Engineering
News & Events
News
Northwestern Awarded NSF Grants for Chromatin and Epigenetic Engineering Research
The grants, which total $5.4 million, will provide critical support for fundamental research for professors and their collaborators across Northwestern.
Sensing Cancer Before It's Too Late
Biomedical engineer Vadim Backman develops more sensitive cancer diagnostics and more effective treatments.
New Research Targets Cancer’s ‘Achilles’ Heel’
For the first time, researchers control cells’ chromatin to prevent cancer from adapting to treatment.
Backman and Zhang Paper Wins PNAS Cozzarelli Prize
The award-winning paper reports for the first time that DNA blinks; the finding could lead to label-free, super-resolution nanoscopic imaging.
Events
Spring classes end
June 8
All Day
Spring examinations begin
June 10
All Day
Spring examinations end
June 15
All Day
Baccalaureate
June 20
All Day