In this issue of Medicine@Brown, you’ll read about the research milestones that have occurred since the Medical School was established 50 years ago. From their founding, the Division of Biology and Medicine and the Program in Medicine were an intentional experiment in intertwining biomedical research informed by and in collaboration with clinical medicine. That model serves us well to this day.

This year we will embark on ambitious plans in the research arena. First, we will be working on operationalizing the aligned research collaboration agreement with the School of Public Health, Lifespan, and Care New England. Second, Brown will be planning the programming and begin work on the design for the Integrated Life Sciences Building, a project that will take several years to complete. Third, we will be focused on expanding research through recruiting new faculty in our priority areas of aging and aging-related disorders; cancer; brain diseases; infectious disease; and RNA biology. All of this is part of the plan to significantly increase research at Brown.

We’ll also be working on more belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and beginning an assessment of the four-year medical school curriculum. At the close of the spring semester, we’ll wrap up our celebration of 50 Years of Medicine at Brown as well. It’s going to be a busy and productive year across the board, and I look forward to sharing updates with you as we forge ahead.