Biomedical engineering combines multiple basic and engineering disciplines to improve human life.  In order to achieve optimal progress, these disciplines must interact synergistically.  Biomedical engineering research at Carnegie Mellon is best described as a group of inter-related nodes in a campus-wide network, with the Department of Biomedical Engineering serving as the hub.  The collaborative culture of Carnegie Mellon is highly conducive to such an interdisciplinary network (see Partners).

Biomedical engineering research at Carnegie Mellon seeks a fine balance between fundamental engineering principles and clinical applications, and between research methodologies and applications that leverage on the methodologies (See Portfolio).

Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering provides basic knowledge of cells and tissues as the foundation for engineering applications.  Current emphasis is on biomechanics including cellular, molecular biomechanics, tissue and cardiovascular biomechanics.

Enabling Technologies facilitate the discovery of fundamental engineering principles in a reciprocal manner - the discoveries may in turn stimulate new technologies and enable translation into clinical applications.  BME at Carnegie Mellon has core strengths in cell and tissue imaging as well as neural signal processing.

Many advances in medical and pharmaceutical industry come from manipulating the Interface of Biological and Artificial Materials, which may also find applications in fundamental research.  Research in this area is highlighted by polymer and nano- biotechnology and bio-MEMS for sensing and actuating biological matters at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering serves the function of facilitating cross-disciplinary research and education across the campus.  It adopts a multi-scale structure that takes full advantage of the collaborative culture at Carnegie Mellon to foster a vibrant environment for intellectual exchange.  Departmental borders are easily broken by multidisciplinary research centers and by 50/50 joint faculty appointments that involve BME and multiple partner departments.