Research

Research

The Beckman Institute is a unique engine for research. We're making incredible advances while helping ordinary people.

Research that matters

The Beckman Institute is a community of researchers that use state-of-the-art facilities to transcend traditional boundaries.

 

Our three research themes

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Two children at a science exhibit, watching a ball floating in the air.

Meet a researcher

Sepideh Sadaghiani

"Working at the Beckman has motivated me to take on more ambitious and bold research endeavors, and has moved me from the question of whether I (my lab) can accomplish them to whether we (the Beckman team) can do it."

-Sepideh Sadaghiani, psychology

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Video

The wheelchair of the future, the ballbot

The ballbot wheelchair may be the future of mobility assistance. Researchers from across the University of Illinois campus have created a Star Wars-inspired robotic wheelchair that uses a single, rolling ball to provide a hands-free, intuitive, and flexible device for users.

 

Changing the culture of science

21st Century Scientists

This Beckman initiative is working to improve inclusion and diversity, create incentives for engagement, and innovate scientific training.

Inclusive Lab Leaders

21st Century Scientists leads this training initiative, which puts on regular workshops for both student researchers and their leaders.

 

Visit the 21st Century
Scientists' website

 

A collage of different scientists talking into a microphone.

Video

Beckman MRI speaks for itself

Using some of the fastest MRI technology in the world, Beckman researchers can see the physical mechanics of the spoken (or sung) word. This speed has allowed researchers to begin exploring the structural nuances of emotional speech.

Meet a researcher

"Always ask questions. Don’t be afraid of looking silly or that you’re asking a “dumb” question — there’s no such thing. Just keep practicing and as your skills grow, your confidence will too."

-Elizabeth Bello, a student researcher in entomology

Student researcher Elizabeth Bello stands beside her framed research image, mounted on an easel in the Beckman Atrium.
Close-up of a person's hands typing on a laptop keyboard.
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Become a Beckman researcher

Whether you're a student hoping make a difference, already leading research on campus, or thinking about becoming a faculty member at the University of Illinois, the Beckman Institute could be the right place for you.

Become a student researcher

Become a Beckman faculty member

Need resources for your research?

We provide state-of-the-art facilities for faculty members, staff, and students.

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Biomedical Imaging Center

BIC is a state-of-the-art imaging facility that develops and applies cutting-edge techniques using magnetic resonance and molecular imaging tools.

Staff members employ advanced MRI, optical imaging, EEG, PET, SPECT, CT, fluorescence, and bioluminescence techniques to address questions about structure and function of systems across a variety of disciplines.

Visit BIC's website

Imaging Technology Group

ITG is home to Beckman's Microscopy Suite and its Visualization Lab.

Hundreds of researchers from the Beckman Institute and nearly every department on campus use its state-of-the-art microscopy, spectroscopy, image processing, and rendering capabilities.

Visit ITG's website

Research images

The latest research images from Instagram. Follow Beckman Institute @beckmaninstitute