About Us
Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) is an internationally recognized non-profit biomedical research organization located in Seattle, Washington. BRI’s mission is to find the causes and cures of devastating diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, heart disease and many others, with particular focus on autoimmunity and immunotherapy. The Institute’s team of world-renown scientists conduct both laboratory studies and clinical research trials integrated around the concept of “unlocking the immune system” to improve human health.
Translating Research into Reality
Combining expertise in laboratory investigation with innovative clinical research, the Institute has cultivated a bench-to-bedside approach — translating advances in the laboratory and clinical science into medical treatments that make a real difference for individuals, families and communities.
More than 50 years of scientific excellence
First established in 1956 as the Virginia Mason Research Center, the Institute developed a unique niche as a basic sciences research institute associated with a major medical center and a teaching program. Renamed in 2002 in recognition of the Benaroya family of Seattle, BRI now houses more than 200 scientific and administrative staff with a research volume of more than $24 million a year.
BRI is internationally recognized for its contributions to immunology and genetics-focused research, and actively collaborates with other leading research organizations to advance the treatment and cure of disease. The Institute is funded by grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Heart Association, and a variety of other national and regional foundations, as well as by individual philanthropic gifts.
Selected Scientific Achievements
Please read our annual report (PDF, 1.3 MB) for more information about how BRI research is important to you, or request a print copy.
View a one page,quick summary of BRI, called Fast Facts.
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