Why EUREKA?

Over 2000 years ago in ancient Ortigia Archimedes, one of the great scientists of the time, was getting ready to take a bath. The legend holds he was grappling with the problem of how one could predict the weight of an object. Distracted, Archimedes put too much water in the tub. When he got in, the water overflowed.

“Eureka!” he exclaimed. It had nothing to do with how hot or cold the water was, and little to do with the mess. He’d found the answer. Measuring water displacement could determine the volume and density of solid objects.

The Greek word for “I have found it” has since become, arguably, interchangeable with the “Aha!” experience of discovery, that leap that happens between the problem and the solution, the quest for understanding and finally reaching it. It expresses the bridge that spans the gap. It is fitting, then, that our Institute for Translational Medicine be named EUREKA.

Our History

In May of 2008, the Eureka Institute gathered leaders in translational medicine, educators, and institutional administrators to explore how to address the education of new professionals in TM. This Consensus Conference resulted in an innovative educational initiative to train mid-level career professionals to address critical gaps in the field.

The Institute successfully developed and hosted the first three International Certificate Programs (May 2009, May 2010, and May 2011). The fourth installation of the course is in the planning stages. The program prepares professionals in the international community of translational medicine who will facilitate the evolution from lead identification to proof of concept in humans. The program is designed to build skills to foster innovative teams, critical thinking, and problem solving. The ultimate goal of this endeavor is to produce multidimensional, interdisciplinary professionals who are prepared for a wide range of careers focusing on improving human health.

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