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The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC) is a University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) research center supported by the NIH IDeA program under award number P30GM165288.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) seeks to foster collaborative interdisciplinary research to enhance its biomedical research infrastructure in the molecular life sciences. Building on the success of two prior UNL Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBREs), The Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communication (NCIBC) was established. The central vision of NCIBC is to transform our understanding of the mechanisms of information transfer between biomolecules by fostering collaborations between researchers developing innovative methods with those investigating biomedically important questions. The transfer of information between biomolecules is one of the defining aspects of life at the molecular level and is essential for all homeostatic and disease processes. Finely tuned molecular communication networks are disrupted in disease, yet there are many gaps in our fundamental knowledge about how these pathways operate, resulting in an inadequate understanding of molecular etiology of complex diseases. NCIBC is addressing these gaps by developing new analytical tools and integrated research approaches to probe communication pathways within and between cells with high chemical, spatial, and temporal resolution. The collaborative teams NCIBC coalesced and supported through Phases 1 and 2 have been highly successful in securing independent funding and producing high-impact publications, laying a strong foundation for the Center’s newly funded Phase 3.
Supporting research and career development
Providing early stage investigators and others in the University of Nebraska community with research support and opportunities for career development. Their research is broadly focused on understanding the regulation of biomolecular communication pathways.
Enhancing research capabilities
Integrating systems biology and advanced light and electron microscopy through the BIOME Core, leveraging existing institutional resources to expand research capabilities and accelerate scientific discovery.
Fostering research collaborations
Pursuing high impact biomedical research through integrated interdisciplinary research collaborations and diverse disciplinary representation.
Pilot Project Program
The NCIBC Pilot Project Program supports innovative, interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of biomolecular communication within and between cells and tissues. Through competitive funding opportunities, the program provides investigators with resources to explore promising new research directions, establish collaborations, and generate preliminary data to support future extramural funding applications.
Building on the Center's strong foundation in interdisciplinary research, the Pilot Project Program encourages investigators to pursue novel scientific approaches that leverage NCIBC's expertise, advanced technologies, and shared research resources. By fostering collaboration across disciplines and supporting emerging research opportunities, the program aims to accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen research capacity, and promote the long-term sustainability of biomolecular communication research at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
Center Leadership Structure
Core Facilities
NCIBC’s BIOME Core integrates systems biology and advanced light and electron microscopy capabilities into a unified research resource. Building on established institutional facilities and expertise, the BIOME Core provides investigators with access to specialized technologies, technical expertise, and collaborative research support to advance innovative biomedical research.
The BIOME Core fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among chemists, biochemists, engineers, bioinformaticians, and other biomedical researchers. By integrating complementary technologies and expertise, the Core supports the investigation of complex biological systems and advances our understanding of biomolecular communication, metabolic and regulatory pathways, and their roles in disease development and progression.