A new multimedia campaign puts researchers’ work in the spotlight, demonstrating how federally funded research at UMB is making a real-world difference right now.
From artificial blood that could save trauma victims at the scene of an accident to virtual reality treatments that offer relief from chronic pain, researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) are reimagining what’s possible in health and medicine. Now, a new multimedia campaign — “Breakthroughs Can’t Wait: Changing the Future Today” — is putting their work in the spotlight, demonstrating how federally funded research at UMB is making a real-world difference right now.
Launched in April, the campaign showcases the impact of research happening across UMB’s seven schools. Through short videos, extended Q&As, and written features, “Breakthroughs Can’t Wait” brings audiences face to face with the scientists behind some of today’s most promising discoveries.
“Our goal is to help the public understand why this research matters, how it’s funded, and how it touches their lives,” said UMB President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS. “Scientific progress doesn’t happen in the abstract. It happens here and now, and it’s powered by public support.”
Among the featured researchers are Allan Doctor, MD, professor, Department of Pediatrics, and director, Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis, University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), and Joga Gobburu, PhD, MBA, professor, Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, and director, Center for Translational Medicine, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP). They are developing the world’s first shelf-stable artificial blood, a game-changer for emergency medicine that could save thousands of lives annually.
Also highlighted is Luana Colloca, MD, PhD, MS, professor and director, Placebo Beyond Opinions Center, Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), whose research explores how immersive virtual reality can activate the brain’s natural pain-relief systems, offering a promising non-opioid alternative for patients living with chronic pain.
The campaign launched with a video featuring Sarah Kattakuzhy, MD, associate professor, Department of Medicine, and associate director, Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine, UMSOM. Her clinical trial is testing whether semaglutide, a diabetes and weight-loss drug, also could reduce cocaine use in people with stimulant use disorder, signaling a new approach to addiction treatment.
Other researchers featured in “Breakthroughs Can’t Wait” include:
- Lisa Berlin, PhD, MS, Alison L. Richman Professor for Children, Youth, and Families, University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), who is advancing early childhood health through nurturing, science-based parenting programs
- Ian Kleckner, PhD, MPH, associate professor, Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, and director, Cancer Control Mind & Body Lab, UMSON, whose research explores how exercise can ease chemotherapy-induced nerve damage
- Abraham Schneider, DDS, PhD, associate professor and chair, Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), who is testing the ability of metformin, a diabetes drug, to regenerate craniofacial bone
- Paul Shapiro, PhD, professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UMSOP, and Jeffrey Hasday, MD, Dr. Herbert Berger Professor of Medicine, UMSOM, who are targeting inflammation to prevent serious diseases
- Ahmed Sultan, BDS, PhD, assistant professor and director, Division of Artificial Intelligence Research, UMSOD, who is developing artificial intelligence tools to support early detection of conditions such as oral cancer
- Jay Unick, PhD, MSW, professor, UMSSW, who leads the IRIS Project, which partners with community organizations to expand access to evidence-based addiction recovery services
To explore the campaign and meet the researchers behind these innovations, visit umaryland.edu/breakthroughs or follow @UMBaltimore on Instagram, where a new researcher and discovery are spotlighted each week.