Key index ranks Van Andel Institute no. 3 among North American nonprofit research organizations for biological sciences. June 15, 2026 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (June 15, 2026) - Van Andel Institute has risen to no. 3 among North American nonprofit and nongovernmental research organizations in biological sciences, according to the 2026 Nature Index Research Leaders rankings, up from no. 5 last year. Globally, the Institute ranks no. 18 in the same category. A related Nature Index ranking focused on cancer research places VAI no. 17 globally among nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations. The Nature Index is a comprehensive, open database that measures institutional scientific output based on research published in 178 journals in natural, health, applied and social sciences. The 2026 Research Leaders rankings encompass data gathered from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025. "This recognition is a testament to the talent, dedication and creativity of our scientists and the steadfast support of our community," said VAI Chairman and CEO David Van Andel. "As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, it is especially meaningful to see Van Andel Institute recognized among the world's leading research organizations. We are proud to foster an environment where discovery thrives and where new knowledge is translated into progress against diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's." Since its founding in 1996, VAI has grown into a premier research and education organization that supports the work of more than 500 scientists, educators and staff. The Institute's researchers are at the forefront of fields including cancer, epigenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, cell biology, metabolism and structural biology. "A top three ranking in the Nature Index is an incredible achievement that reflects the Institute's research output and quality," said VAI President and Chief Scientific Officer Jonathan D. Licht, M.D. "Because rankings are based on publications in highly selective journals and share of authorship, the Institute packs a lot of punch through major contributions to impactful research. This is a direct result of VAI's long-term strategy to recruit innovative scientists and focus on rigor, collaboration and mentorship." Discoveries made by VAI scientists have: * Led to a potential new blood test for pancreatic cancer that may improve detection of the disease. * Identified several new targets for cancer treatment. * Revealed how different nutrients impact immune cells, laying the groundwork for new ways to improve cancer immunotherapies. * Used a gene-editing tool to distinguish tumor DNA from healthy DNA based on subtle chemical differences, offering new opportunities for developing high-precision cancer treatment strategies. * Shed new light on the intricacies of DNA replication, a fundamental process in health and disease. * Illuminated how genetics and other factors influence risk and progression of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. * Identified a molecular "fingerprint" that marks brain cells that are vulnerable to Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. * Visualized parts of a repair system that tuberculosis-causing bacteria use to resist treatment, which may offer a target for new treatments.

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