Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute

Research institute in Buffalo, New York

The Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute (HWI) is a non-profit biomedical research facility located in Buffalo, New York. It is renowned for its contributions to the field of structural biology, particularly in the area of X-ray crystallography. The institute is named after Nobel laureate Herbert A. Hauptman and pioneering researcher Helen Woodward Rivas.

History

The Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute was founded in 1956 as the Medical Foundation of Buffalo. It was established to advance medical research and education in the region. In 1970, the institute was renamed in honor of Herbert A. Hauptman, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1985 for his work on the direct methods of solving crystal structures, and Helen Woodward Rivas, a significant benefactor and supporter of the institute.

Research Focus

HWI is dedicated to the study of the structure and function of biological macromolecules. The institute's research primarily focuses on:

• X-ray crystallography: A technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal, in which the crystalline atoms cause a beam of incident X-rays to diffract into many specific directions.
• Structural biology: The branch of biology that deals with the study of the molecular structure of biological macromolecules.
• Biophysics: The science of applying the methods of physics to understand biological systems.

Facilities and Resources

HWI houses state-of-the-art facilities for conducting advanced research in structural biology. The institute is equipped with:

• X-ray diffraction laboratories: These labs are used for analyzing the crystal structures of proteins and other macromolecules.
• Cryo-electron microscopy: A technique that allows the observation of specimens that have not been stained or fixed in any way, showing them in their native environment.
• Computational biology resources: These resources are used for modeling and simulating biological systems.

Education and Outreach

HWI is committed to education and outreach, offering programs for students and the public to learn about the importance of structural biology. The institute collaborates with local universities, including the University at Buffalo, to provide training and research opportunities for students.

Notable Scientists

Herbert Hauptman at the University at Buffalo in 2009

• Herbert A. Hauptman: A mathematician who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work in the development of direct methods for the determination of crystal structures.
• Helen Woodward Rivas: A philanthropist whose contributions were instrumental in the establishment and growth of the institute.

Related Pages

• X-ray crystallography
• Structural biology
• Biophysics
• University at Buffalo