About

From molecules to medicine

The VCU Center for Drug Discovery accelerates the development of new therapies, technologies and drug targets that improve human health. Our interdisciplinary teams combine chemistry, biology and engineering to translate ideas into real-world solutions for patients and communities.

What We Do

• Advance research: We unite expertise across disciplines to identify new therapeutic strategies and move discoveries closer to the clinic.
• Support scientists: Our labs and instrumentation provide researchers with state-of-the-art tools for innovation and collaboration.
• Educate and train: From undergraduate to postdoctoral levels, we help prepare the next generation of scientists through research opportunities and mentorship.
• Engage the community: We connect with the public, industry and health care partners to share knowledge and extend the impact of our work.

History and Growth

Founded in 1997 as the Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery (ISB3D), the Center has grown into a hub for interdisciplinary research at VCU. Today, we continue to expand our scope, embracing emerging fields and technologies to address urgent health challenges.

Collaborations and Community

We work closely with VCU Health, local biotech and national partners to accelerate discoveries into practice. By fostering collaborations and engaging with the Richmond community, we amplify the impact of our science and extend its benefits far beyond the lab.