Janelia Research Campus

Research campus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Janelia Research Campus logo

The Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research facility of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) located in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States. It is dedicated to the pursuit of high-risk, high-reward scientific research, particularly in the fields of neuroscience and imaging.

History

The Janelia Research Campus was established by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and opened in 2006. The campus was designed to foster a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to scientific research, breaking away from traditional academic structures. The name "Janelia" is derived from the historic Janelia Farm, which was part of the land acquired for the campus.

Research Focus

Janelia's research is primarily focused on understanding the complex workings of the brain and developing advanced imaging techniques. The campus is known for its innovative approaches to neuroscience, including the study of neural circuits and behavior. Researchers at Janelia work on projects that require long-term commitment and are often too risky for traditional funding mechanisms.

Neuroscience

In the field of neuroscience, Janelia researchers aim to map the brain's neural circuits and understand how these circuits give rise to behavior. This involves the development of new tools and techniques for imaging and manipulating neural activity in living organisms.

Imaging

Janelia is also at the forefront of developing new imaging technologies. These technologies are crucial for visualizing biological processes at the cellular and molecular levels. The campus has contributed significantly to the advancement of optogenetics, super-resolution microscopy, and other cutting-edge imaging methods.

Facilities

Janelia Research Campus aerial view

The Janelia Research Campus is situated on a 689-acre site along the Potomac River. The campus includes state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative spaces, and residential facilities for visiting scientists. The architecture of the campus is designed to promote interaction and collaboration among researchers.

Collaborative Environment

Janelia fosters a unique collaborative environment by bringing together scientists from diverse disciplines. The campus operates on a "team science" model, where researchers work in small, flexible groups on ambitious projects. This model encourages innovation and accelerates the pace of discovery.

Education and Outreach

Janelia is committed to education and outreach, offering programs for students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists. The campus hosts workshops, conferences, and symposia to share knowledge and foster collaboration within the scientific community.

Related pages

• Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Neuroscience
• Imaging
• Optogenetics