About IMD³

The Institute for Molecular Diversity and Drug Design was formally approved by the University of Louisville in March, 1999. Current membership consists of 20 faculty members representing at least eight units at U of L (Biochemistry, Cancer Center, Chemistry, Engineering Math and Computer Sciences, Biological Sciences, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Ophthalmology. IMD³ receives support from the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Health Sciences Center, and reports to the Vice President for Research, Dr. Nancy Martin.

The IMD³ logo represents the three "Ds" (Diversity and Drug Design) and the superscript also alludes to the mathematical underpinnings of combinatorial chemistry. The U of L font is familiar as the logo of the University of Louisville, located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky's largest metropolitan center, with one million in population (including Indiana neighbors across the Ohio River and eastern suburbs).

IMD³ combines all aspects of modern medicinals research from basic science and the design and synthesis of new structures to the assays and clinical testing required to treat disease. "Molecular Diversity" refers to the new science of combinatorial chemistry and high throughput screening. Literally millions of compounds are synthesized and tested in order to uncover new drug leads. "Drug Design" also reflects a relatively new approach whereby known targets (enzymes, receptors, DNA segments) are used to devise structures that can bind to them in a process known as molecular recognition. Physical tools such as NMR spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, and molecular modeling, as well as sophisticated organic synthesis methods, are critical to this process. And increasingly, combinatorial chemistry and targeted drug design are being seen as complementary approaches toward the same eventual goal, namely, the alleviation of human suffering.

Louisville is home to at least three companies that evolved from the University's research expertise. Peptides International (1983), Advanced ChemTech (1986), and Advanced SynTech (1999). These companies provide employment for some of our graduates but their more important role is to illustrate the increasing complexity and excitement to be found in modern biotechnology and related enterprises. The academic climate is likewise becoming very vibrant at U of L. With recent new endowed professor lines and faculty additions, along with, especially the University's Health Science Center, and with the growth of contract research organizations and a new science incubator as part of the Louisville Health Sciences Center Research Park, that presence is likely to increase significantly.

The IMD³ is physically housed in the Department of Chemistry, but students interested in our program should apply directly to the home department of their preferred mentors. Fellowships are normally awarded to second or third year Ph.D. students whose research is compatible with those of IMD³ faculty.

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