Versiti - Versiti Blood Research Institute
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Versiti Blood Research Institute

Basic, translational and clinical research focused on blood disorders.

Versiti Blood Research Institute


The Versiti Blood Research Institute’s work is dedicated to hematology in all its facets, spanning basic, translational and clinical research, all with one goal: to make people’s lives better. 

Tracking Federal Changes

Update on NIH Indirect Cost Rate Cap

NIH’s proposed 15% cap on indirect costs threatens vital research funding. Versiti Blood Research Institute is advocating to protect resources essential for breakthroughs in blood disorders, cancer, and immune diseases.

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Versiti Blood Research Institute located on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus

State of the Art Facility

Basic research is housed at Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI), a state-of-the-art facility that gives investigators access to cutting-edge research equipment and related specialized services. VBRI is located on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, along with the Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital and Children’s Wisconsin.

Researchers Collaborating on Research Findings

Collaborative Environment

In addition to the intellectual capital and resources within Versiti, the local density of healthcare and research facilities provides us with a rich environment for biomedical research. Clinical scientists at Versiti Medical Sciences Institute facilitate opportunities to identify and engage in collaborative translational research. Contract research scientists aid industry partners in custom projects that help advance innovative drugs, products and services.

Karin Hoffmeister, MD

Senior Investigator, Interim Co-Director, and Executive Director for Research
Karin  Hoffmeister, MD

Sridhar Rao, MD, PhD

Senior Investigator, Program Co-Leader, and Interim Co-Director
Sridhar  Rao, MD, PhD
Karen-Sue Carlson, MD, PhD and Nan Zhu, PhD collaborating.

Our Scientists

Browse our Investigators, Emeritus Investigators, and other members of the Blood Research Institute.

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Z Transfusion Medicine, Vascular Biology & Cellular Therapy

We study biology and pathology of blood vessels, blood and blood cells and design ways to repair or replace them when damaged.
 

Z Thrombosis & Hemostasis

We study the properties of blood that cause it to clot. Our findings help to treat diseases that cause blood clots or excessive bleeding.
 

Z Hematopoiesis & Immunology

Immunobiology and hematopoiesis are scientific fields that are crucial to improving treatments for patients with leukemia, autoimmune diseases and more.
 

Z Translational Hematology

Improving care of patients with blood diseases by translating discoveries and researching treatments.
Two people walk along the Milwaukee lakefront passing the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum.

Philanthropy plays a crucial role in the success of the Versiti Blood Research Institute by providing flexible funding that drives scientific breakthroughs and sustains long-term impact. Endowed Chairs and funds support investigators and their research, enabling them to pursue innovative and high-risk projects beyond the constraints of traditional federal grants, which typically require a specific scope of work.

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Bonnie Dittel Laboratory

The Dittel Laboratory investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of inflammation, a component of virtually every disease.
 

Christian Kastrup Laboratory

The Kastrup Lab is a group of biochemists and engineers working towards gaining a deeper upstanding of how clotting is regulated, enabling the development of novel therapeutics for hemostasis and thrombosis.
 

Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd Laboratory

Tirthadipa “Dipa” Pradhan-Sundd’s laboratory at Versiti Blood Research Institute studies hepato-vascular cells in sickle cell disease and other hematological disorders.
 

Sridhar Rao Laboratory

The Rao Laboratory studies the process of hematopoiesis and the ability of a single blood stem cell to create all of the blood cells needed in one lifetime.
 

Qizhen Shi Laboratory

The Qizhen Shi, MD, PhD, laboratory at Versiti Blood Research Institute studies gene and cell therapies for treatment of hemophilia A and hemophilia B.
 

Prithu Sundd Laboratory

The Sundd laboratory explores sickle cell disease and associated health concerns, including acute chest syndrome and vaso-occlusion in lung injury.
Two people walk along the Milwaukee lakefront passing the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum.

Milwaukee is a great place to live and work, featuring a beautiful lakefront, vibrant neighborhoods and extensive metropolitan area. Read about just some of the attractions and benefits of living in Southeastern Wisconsin.

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Z How to Clone a Mammoth

Join world-renowned evolutionary biologist Dr. Beth Shapiro as she takes us on a fascinating journey through the astonishing science and fierce debate surrounding genetic engineering.

Bridging Science and Hope: Versiti Formalizes the Translational Hematology Program

Under the leadership of Lisa Baumann Kreuziger, MD, MS, the Translational Hematology Program demonstrates Versiti’s collective commitment to accelerating the translation of breakthrough discoveries into treatments that transform lives.
 
Researcher loading a sample on a microscope slide.

The Future of Sickle Cell Research

Discover groundbreaking research on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) led by Dr. Prithu Sundd at Versiti Blood Institute, exploring how blood transfusions may reduce harmful immune responses. Learn how this work could lead to safer, more effective treatments that mimic transfusion benefits without the risks. This promising study aims to transform quality of life for SCD patients through innovative, accessible therapies.

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Researcher loading a sample on a microscope slide.

Research News

Versiti Blood Research Institute investigators are experts in the fields of transfusion medicine; immunobiology; thrombosis, hemostasis and vascular biology; and stem cell biology and hematopoiesis. Learn more about past, present and future research projects aimed at saving lives.

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Trainees working on research initiatives.

Educational Opportunities

Seminars, fellowships and training opportunities for investigators, postdoctoral fellows and trainees at Versiti Blood Research Institute.

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