Established in 2023 and housed within the School of Medicine’s Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, the Institute for Glial Sciences at Case Western Reserve University is directed by Paul Tesar, the Dr. Donald and Ruth Weber Goodman Professor of Innovative Therapeutics. The institute focuses on three nervous systems: the central, peripheral and enteric.
Glial cells comprise more than half of the cells in these nervous systems and work with neurons to ensure proper neurological function. Despite their importance to human health, few specialized research centers globally are dedicated to studying them.
In addition to its core scientific pursuits, the institute concentrates on developing new methods for studying glial cells and creating new classes of medicines targeting glial cells. The institute also offers education and training opportunities to students and postdoctoral and clinical fellows eager to specialize in glial cell research and medicine.
“The Institute for Glial Sciences is a manifestation of our collective aspiration to deepen the understanding of glial cells,” Paul Tesar said. “These integral components of our nervous systems have long been overshadowed, and through the institute, we aim to shed light on their complexity, developing treatments that could revolutionize how we approach neurological care.”