About

The Beckman Institute brings researchers from many disciplines together to collaborate. The result: scientific advances that couldn’t occur any other way.

From our founder

"Always strive for excellence—there’s no substitute for it."

- Arnold 0. Beckman

Arnold Beckman looks out a north window at University Avenue in Urbana during the construction of the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

376

publications

were authored by full- and part-time faculty members during calendar year 2021.

22.5%

of all U of I patents

were issued through Beckman-supported research over the last 10 years.

home departments

and 11 colleges and schools are represented by Beckman faculty researchers.

Mission and core values

The Beckman Institute uses its mission statement and core values as a foundation for making decisions.

Read the statement

A close-up image of a fountain near the Beckman Institute.

News

Beckman researchers demonstrate new cancer drug development method

Feb. 2, 2023 by Jeni Bushman

Full story

News

Four Beckman faculty members elected to AAAS

Feb. 1, 2023 by Illinois News Bureau

Psychology professor Kara Federmeier, chemistry professor Liviu Mirica, mechanical science and engineering professor M. Taher Saif, and materials science and engineering professor Charles Schroeder are among the 506 scientists to be awarded the distinction of AAAS Fellow this year. Fellows are chosen by their peers for outstanding contribution to the field.

Full story
News

Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy

Feb. 1, 2023 by Illinois News Bureau

Beckman researcher and mechanical science and engineering professor Sameh Tawfick led a new study introducing click beetle-sized robots small enough to fit into tight spaces, powerful enough to maneuver over obstacles, and fast enough to match an insect’s rapid escape time.

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News

Teenage girls' self-esteem is a product of past experience

Jan. 9, 2023 by Jenna Kurtzweil

A study led by Beckman researcher Karen Rudolph is among the first to demonstrate that past experiences with bullying, friendlessness, and other forms of social exclusion directly impact teenage girls' perceptions of self-worth and belonging. Making this connection is a critical first step in designing intervention programs to improve teenagers' mental health.

Full story

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A tour of the under-construction Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Beams are in place, and some masonry is seen in the background, but the tower is open to the air.

Browse our history

The Beckman Institute was the first interdisciplinary research institute on the University of Illinois campus; and a model across the world for creating collaboration. Read more about Beckman's creation and the accomplishments it has since fostered.

View historic timeline

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Job opportunities at Beckman

The Beckman Institute is a fast-paced yet inclusive environment. We're looking for creative thinkers who are excited about supporting cutting-edge research that transcends the boundaries of traditional disciplines.

See current openings

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