Press Releases

Seattle, WA - Apr 3, 2003

Virginia Mason Research Center Changes Name to Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI)

Virginia Mason Research Center has changed its name to Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI). The name change reflects the generosity of the Benaroya family who have done so much to support and advance research; the institute’s distinctive focus on innovative medical research in molecular genetics and autoimmune diseases; and its close collaboration with Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason is dedicated to the exploration of the causes and cures of human diseases. BRI is a leading research institute specializing in the study of the role of the immune system and genetics in diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and cancer.

A few highlights of its expertise and leadership

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International has designated BRI as the "JDRF Center for Translational Research" for discovery and development of systems for integrating clinical and laboratory findings in studies of autoimmune diabetes.

Because of its groundbreaking research discoveries, BRI is an international center for the production and use of "tetramers," an engineered molecular tool that enables scientists to detect and measure specific immune cells in blood samples with unprecedented precision.

BRI is the Pacific Northwest clinical center for Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet, a National Institutes of Health sponsored network to coordinate diabetes clinical trials throughout North America.

BRI was named as an Autoimmunity Prevention Center, one of five national sites funded by the National Institutes of Health.

BRI has the distinction of being the North American coordinating center for the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium, an international research program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.

For further information on current research programs, events and seminars, visit www.benaroyaresearch.org.

Blog Main Image - BRI Building Rear

About Benaroya Research Institute

Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is a world leader in human immune system research. BRI works to advance the science that will predict, prevent, reverse and cure immune system diseases like allergies, asthma, cancer, COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases. BRI accelerates discovery through laboratory breakthroughs in immunology that are then translated to clinical therapies. We believe that a breakthrough in one immune system disease can lead to progress against them all, and work tirelessly toward our vision of a healthy immune system for everyone. BRI is a world-renowned independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and based in Seattle.

To learn more, visit benaroyaresearch.org and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.