Van Andel Institute is an independent biomedical research and science education organization founded in 1996 by Jay and Betty Van Andel. Based in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the city's Medical Mile, the Institute operates a state-of-the-art research facility designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and employs more than 500 scientists, educators and support staff.
The Institute conducts basic and translational research across cancer, Parkinson's disease, neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders, with particular focus on understanding the foundations of health and the origins of disease. Its research teams collaborate with distinguished organizations across West Michigan and globally, working to translate fundamental discoveries into prevention and treatment strategies.
Van Andel Institute operates a graduate school offering a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. programme in molecular and cellular biology, as well as inquiry-based science education programmes for K-12 students. These initiatives aim to develop the next generation of problem-solvers and build scientific capacity at both advanced research and foundational education levels.
