Centers & Institutes
Home » Centers & InstitutesSUNY Upstate Medical University's Centers and Institutes support, facilitate and promote the research mission of Upstate Medical University.
We invite you to explore the Centers and Institutes at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where our researchers explore new medical treatments and mechanisms in state-of-the-art facilities.
Central New York Biotech Accelerator (CNYBAC) is owned and operated by SUNY Upstate Medical University - the region's only academic medical center. CNYBAC clients gain access to Upstate clinical and basic science experts, graduate student interns (at a 50% reduced rate), and state-of-the-art CORE Research Facilities and equipment with technical assistance. CNYBAC also offers virtual occupancy for those companies who do not need to reside physically in the incubator space but would like access to expert partnerships, webcast events and mentorship.
CNYBAC is located in an Opportunity Zone "where new investments under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment." CNYBAC is also an affiliate Hot Spot partner through The Tech Garden, Central New York's Regional Hot Spot. As such, The Tech Garden can certify eligible CNYBAC clients for New York Innovation Hot Spot Tax Benefits. CNYBAC also has eligible Start-Up NY allocated space where "new and expanding businesses can gain access to tax-based incentives and innovative academic partnerships."
CNYBAC also offers virtual client tenancy for those companies who do not need to license lab work space and will not be in the building full-time or are working elsewhere but would like access to expert partnerships, Creation Garage with 3D printing, a phenomenal and vibrant innovation ecosystem, conference room access for meetings, and attend events.

Our Clinical Research team at the Institute for Global Health consist of experienced Clinical Research Coordinators, who work closely with our investigators in carrying out multiple clinical trials. We focus on supporting basic and translational research opportunities around the world, such as Ecuador, Kenya, Thailand and Grenada.
Stephen J. Thomas, MD, Director
The primary mission of the Center for Vision Research is to seek fundamental understanding of vision, from molecules to cells and tissues to visual perception, and to apply this knowledge to finding cures for blindness.
Center for Vision Research faculty members include some of the most respected names in ophthalmology and bring a wealth of experience to their work.
The mission of the Nappi Longevity Institute is to advance the science underlying Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and promote brain health and wellness over the lifespan through research.
The Nappi Longevity Institute serves as an institute without walls that supports, partners with and promotes interdisciplinary research that advances the Institute's mission. The Institute provides value to research partners across disciplines through seed funding, research support, donor access, and interdisciplinary education and networking opportunities.
Learn more about our Research Priorities and Projects, or Contact the Institute with any questions, comments or for research collaboration inquiries.
Sepsis research at Upstate has a long history, focusing on preclinical and translational research aimed at developing and evaluating therapeutic approaches for sepsis treatment in highly clinically-relevant porcine sepsis models. In response to the National initiative in solving sepsis through driving innovation and accelerating transformative technologies, Dr. Robert Cooney, MD, Professor and Chair of Surgery, and Dr. Juntao Luo, PhD, Associate professor of Pharmacology, have co-founded the Sepsis Interdisciplinary Research Center (SIRC) and serve as co-directors to modulate research collaborations and grant applications in translational sepsis research.
SIRC is a highly collaborative and integrative research group with synergistic and multidisciplinary expertise from therapeutic development, molecular biology, immunology, pathophysiology and clinical care. Eight laboratories in the Department of Pharmacology and the Department of Surgery are actively conducting research in sepsis, trauma, wound healing, pulmonary and hematological diseases, funded by multiple active federal grants, including four NIH R01 grants, and R21, NSF, and DoD awards.
The Center for Environmental Health and Medicine leverages the robust facilities, faculty expertise, and platforms for research at SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry on a local and global scale to address the greatest challenges to population health.
The Center focuses on the connection between human health and the environment and aims to bring novel solutions to health care problems by igniting research and expanding college education opportunities. Building upon the partners’ expertise in medicine, environment and education, the Center offers a hub for translational research. Linking local and global surveillance and research efforts provides a unique opportunity for students, fellows and faculty.
Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, Director, SUNY Center for Environmental Health and Medicine, Director, Vector Biology Laboratories
Upstate Cancer Research is a multidisciplinary enterprise, encompassing the efforts of many Upstate faculty and collaborators at other institutions, with the goal to translate research into potential cures, technologies and other products.
Basic and Translational Research Programs at Upstate Cancer Center