Alaska INBRE Network
Alaska INBRE is committed to strengthening biomedical research capacity across Alaska. Through strategic partnerships and network expansion, we are building a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community that supports students, faculty, and investigators across the state. The six Alaska INBRE Partner institutions are University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Southeast, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Southcentral Foundation, and Iḷisaġvik College.
A Growing and Inclusive Network
Since its inception, the Alaska INBRE network has grown from three core University of Alaska campuses to a broader, more inclusive network. Initially, the network included the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), and the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), along with their community campuses.
In 2017, the network expanded to include researchers and trainees from two Tribal Health Organizations: the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and Southcentral Foundation (SCF). This expansion created unique opportunities for clinical and translational research and positioned Alaska INBRE as the only INBRE program with active tribal health partners. In 2024, Ilisagvik College joined the Alaska INBRE network. Ilisagvik College is Alaska’s only tribal college and is located in Utqiagvik.
Welcoming Iḷisaġvik College
For AK INBRE 5, we propose the addition of Iḷisaġvik College, Alaska’s only tribal college, located in Utqiaġvik. This expansion aims to increase participation from students in the farthest north community in the U.S. Iḷisaġvik offers Allied Health programs and serves as a gateway for students pursuing four-year degrees. With about 120 undergraduates and hundreds more in online courses, Iḷisaġvik is already a key partner in co-enrollment programs with Barrow High School. Several students have participated in AK INBRE-supported travel awards and a summer science camp.
In 2017, the network expanded to include researchers and trainees from two Tribal Health Organizations: the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and Southcentral Foundation (SCF). This expansion created unique opportunities for clinical and translational research and positioned Alaska INBRE as the only INBRE program with active tribal health partners. In 2024, Ilisagvik College joined the Alaska INBRE network. Ilisagvik College is Alaska’s only tribal college and is located in Utqiagvik.
Strengthening Existing Institutions
UAS in Juneau is a primarily undergraduate institution with 170 students enrolled in biology and chemistry programs. A renovation project proposed under AK INBRE 5 will relocate its main biochemistry research lab to the central campus, increasing accessibility and visibility.
UAA, with over 3,000 STEM undergraduates, hosts strong programs in biology, chemistry, psychology, and health sciences. The College of Health (COH) supports multiple schools and departments, including the UAA WWAMI School of Medical Education. WWAMI faculty are active INBRE participants, and several UAA research centers have received AK INBRE support.