Virginia Tech’s Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Marks a Decade and a Half of Scientific Progress and Regional Growth

Since its establishment, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) at Virginia Tech Carilion has transformed Roanoke into a hub of biomedical innovation, academic excellence, and economic development. Over the past 15 years, it has grown from a nascent project into a significant regional asset, with a focus on neuroscience, cancer, and cardiovascular research.

FBRI’s journey began with a vision to elevate the region’s scientific profile and attract top-tier talent. The institute now comprises 45 faculty-led research teams and has recently expanded its facilities at the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus in Washington, adding about 30 new professionals to its ranks. Annually, FBRI manages over $50 million in active grants, with a comprehensive portfolio exceeding $240 million.

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Its economic footprint is substantial, generating an estimated $1.7 billion in local economic impact over its lifetime, with nearly $190 million in the past year alone. This impact is derived from operational expenditures, where each dollar spent at FBRI yields approximately $2.50 in economic activity, according to institute calculations. Salaries contribute significantly, with employees averaging $67,000 annually, and higher earners averaging $105,000, compared to the regional average income of around $54,000.

Beyond financial metrics, FBRI’s influence extends to regional prestige and technological advancement. It has facilitated the creation of at least 10 biotech startups and secured around $2 million in small business grants, positioning Roanoke as a burgeoning biotech corridor. Local officials emphasize that the institute’s research excellence enhances the region’s reputation internationally, attracting industry and talent alike.

In conversations with regional leaders, the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environment have been frequently highlighted. The institute’s leadership, including Vice President for Health Sciences and Technology Mike Friedlander, has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of innovation and family-like community among staff and researchers.

Friedlander’s personal journey from Houston’s Baylor College of Medicine to Roanoke underscores the institute’s appeal. His wife, Sandra Friedlander, has been instrumental in community integration efforts, helping recruit researchers and their families by showcasing Roanoke’s quality of life, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environment.

Research at FBRI covers a broad spectrum, from developmental neuroscience to cutting-edge brain imaging techniques. The institute’s focus on the cerebellum, crucial for motor control and cognitive functions, demonstrates its commitment to understanding and treating neurological conditions like autism and dystonia. Researchers such as Meike van der Heijden and Stephen LaConte exemplify the institute’s collaborative and interdisciplinary approach.

Meanwhile, the institute is preparing to expand further with the upcoming Virginia Tech Patient Research Center, which will facilitate clinical trials and translational research to move discoveries from the lab to real-world applications. Expected to employ additional scientists by 2026, this center aims to deepen the institute’s impact on health sciences.

Despite these successes, the institute faces challenges, notably potential federal funding reductions. The NIH’s recent proposals to cut administrative and facilities costs threaten the financial stability of research institutions nationwide. State and federal officials, including Virginia’s congressional delegation, have actively opposed these measures, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment in biomedical research.

Virginia’s state government has committed $26.5 million to support the new Patient Research Center, with additional funds from the state’s equipment trust fund. These investments are part of broader initiatives to position Virginia as a leader in scientific research and innovation, often referred to as the “Virginia Research Triangle.”

As the institute continues to grow, its leadership remains optimistic about navigating the uncertain federal funding landscape. With a talented team and a strategic vision, FBRI is poised to maintain its trajectory of groundbreaking research and regional economic vitality, reinforcing Roanoke’s reputation as a center of biomedical excellence.