Biomedicalengineering (BME) is the application of engineering principles to solve problems in medicine and biology. Therefore, advances in medicine are often driven by advances in BME. Medical advances, in turn, motivate BME research and education. Advances in computer technology and medical imaging (CT, MRI, Ultrasound, etc.) have led to minimally-invasive image-guided procedures and the use of simulation for training and surgery planning. This has dramatically improved the patient outcome on complex surgical procedures. Advances in the use of computer and communication technology have led to telemedicine in which cost-effective quality health care is made available to remote locations where such care was previously unavailable. Advances in materials and the manufacturing of artificial organs and limbs have made iimprovements in the quality life for many patients.

Neural engineering, bioinformatics, genomics, and gene therapy have broadened the scope of BME and are becoming ncreasingly important in the development of new technologies for healthcare. The recent creation of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering as the newest of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is further evidence of the role that BME is playing in advancing health worldwide. At GW, we enjoy a number of unique advantages in the pursuit of a top-notch research and educational program in BME. We have first-rate medical and engineering schools. We are also in one of the most active locations for medically related activities, both for government (e.g., NIH) and the private sector (the I-270 corridor). The GW Board of Trustees and the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs have recognized the vital role of BME and the academic excellence at GW and have chosen GWIBE as one of the original seven centers University-wide to make major strategic investments.