History
For over 50 years, research has always played a key role in Maine Medical Center. The first full-time NIH-funded scientist was recruited to MMC in 1956, and the first NIH research grant award came in 1962. Thanks to an early commitment to cardiac research, MMC was one of the first community hospitals in the nation to perform open heart surgery in 1959. A strong base in research also led to MMC’s dialysis program, endocrinology and pulmonary laboratories, and the Foundation for Blood Research.
Maine Medical Center Research Institute was officially organized as a division of MMC in 1991. A state-of-the-art laboratory facility was completed in 2001. MHIR gained early national recognition in flow cytometry, and established a surgical research program. MMC’s bone marrow transplant program and molecular diagnostics lab also spun off the research division. In June 2022, Maine Medical Center Research Institute changed its name to MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) to accurately reflect the organization’s role in conducting a range of health care research throughout the MaineHealth system, in Maine and New Hampshire. MHIR currently spans the spectrum of biomedical research, with basic research programs in cardiovascular biology and stem cell biology, a growing clinical and translational research program, outcomes research and evaluation, and psychiatric research.
Moving forward, MaineHealth Institute for Research continues to strengthen the relationship between medical research and clinical care, by growing our translational and clinical research programs and encouraging collaboration between researchers and clinicians, educators and students. Our partnership with Tufts University School of Medicine is creating new opportunities to merge patient care, education and research in the medical education program and in the simulation center built to support that program. Our President and Board of Directors, have reaffirmed their understanding of the pivotal role played by research in the pursuit of excellence in patient care, and an ongoing commitment to support research across MaineHealth.
Our Mission
To inspire, support, and conduct innovative research that meets the needs of our communities, advances scientific knowledge, educates communities and learners, transforms healthcare, promotes equity, and improves health.
Our Vision
To enhance the health of our communities through collaboration and excellence in research.
Our Goals and Principles
As investigators, we are driven by curiosity and a passion for improving health care to conduct world-class research, as fostered by a uniquely collaborative and collegial environment that emphasizes respect, trust and personal growth.
As educators, we are committed to mentor and help train the next generation of investigators, physicians, nurses and other health professionals.
As a community of scientists, clinicians, staff and administrators, we work together to promote an open, inclusive, diverse and supportive workplace that stresses the value of the individual while celebrating the accomplishments of the whole.