Border Biomedical Research Center at UTEP (UTEP BBRC)
Official title: UTEP Border Biomedical Research Center
Funded at University of Texas El Paso · NIH-11419868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multi-year NIH grant supports a center in El Paso that works on cancer biology and adult-onset diabetes to help the border population.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 1998 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,908,986 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007592-32 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults in the Borderplex region affected by or at risk for diabetes or cancer who may benefit from future translational work or related educational interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not directly involved in diabetes education programs or cancer-related studies may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC) at UTEP is funded to build research capacity and address health disparities in the Borderplex region. It brings together basic, behavioral, population science, and clinical research to study cancer biology, diabetes, and related biomarkers using data-driven approaches. The center also emphasizes mentorship and pathways for students entering biomedical careers. Research aims include integrating diverse data types and testing diabetes education interventions with local patients. This program seeks transformational findings that could inform better care for people in our border communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the center could lead to better understanding and prevention of cancer and diabetes in border populations, along with improved education and workforce development in biomedical fields.
How similar studies have gone: Prior health-disparities-focused centers have shown progress in linking basic biology with clinical and behavioral insights, though regional results vary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenney, Michael J — University of Texas El Paso
- Study coordinator: Kenney, Michael J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.