CENTER FOR
POLICY STUDIES

Public Policy Resources at Case

The Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations has a unique graduate program that focuses on developing nonprofit managers into career community leaders. It is distinguished by the quality of its faculty, the strength of its ties with nonprofit leaders, and its close relationships with four sponsoring schools at Case Western Reserve University: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law, the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, and the Weatherhead School of Management.

The Center for Health Promotion Research The mission of the Center for Health Promotion Research is to develop, evaluate, and disseminate health promotion and disease prevention programs in diverse settings and populations, with an emphasis on community-based research and evaluation. In addition, training and education is a critical component of this mission, working to develop behavioral scientists who specialize in health behavior and health promotion and who understand the social and environmental context in which healthy behaviors are developed and maintained.

The Center for Regional Economic Issues is based at the Weatherhead School.  It was founded in 1986 to improve the quality of information onthe region's economy and to help the community make better economic decisions.

The Center on Urban Poverty and Social Change in MSASS seeks to create, communicate and apply knowledge on the persistent and concentrated poverty in the Cleveland area.  Its multidisciplinary team of social welfare experts seeks to be an agent of social change and to educate and train the next generation of poverty researchers, administrators and advocates.  MSASS is also the base of operations for two other policy studies efforts.

The Center for Community Development promotes the development of grass-roots decision-making and the transmittal of technical skills of community and economic development.  It focuses on the revitalization of aging neighborhoods and towns throughout the world.

The University Center on Aging and Health is affiliated with the School of Nursing.  Since 1978, the University Center on Aging and Health has served as the focal point at Case Western Reserve University for building and maintaining excellence in gerontological and geriatric research, education, and practice.

The Center's mission is to foster collaboration among its community of scholars, learners, and practitioners in order to encourage and coordinate innovative interdisciplinary research, education, and service programs relevant to the health and well-being of elderly persons.

Via the Center, state-of-the-art knowledge about the aging process and its implications for individuals, families, communities, and societies is advanced and disseminated throughout the community.

The Law-Medicine Center is an interdisciplinary program, the first law school-based program in the United States to study legal medicine and health law.

The Frederick K.  Cox International Law Center offers courses, activities and foreign study options that concentrate on the legal aspects of globalization. In addition there are numerous other nodes of policy studies activity involving research, curriculum, application, and advocacy.  The variety of formats for the Center for Policy Studies activities is great.  Public Policy Forums and weekly Faculty/Staff Public Affairs Discussion Group meetings generate interest and exchange.  Forums and endowed lectureships are a regular feature of the Center's agenda.  Likewise, efforts are made to bring students and policy researchers in contact with public officials.  Small group meetings and ad hoc sessions are frequently scheduled.

The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) based at Case Western Reserve University (Case) is a partnership organization supporting all cancer related research efforts at Case, University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC), and the Cleveland Clinic. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Case CCC serves the cancer research and clinical needs of an urban manufacturing and rural agricultural region containing 3.8 million people in Northern Ohio.

The Mission of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center is to: Improve the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of cancer through discovery, evaluation and dissemination. Stimulate and support innovative, coordinated interdisciplinary clinical research on cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control. Develop clinical applications of discovery and make these available to Northern Ohio residents as quickly as possible through the integrated efforts of the major health systems in the region. Develop cancer prevention and control activities that build on the expertise of the Center and result in a reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality in Northern Ohio and the nation.

The Case Center for Imaging Research in conjunction with the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has installed a vertical bore 9.4T MRI system in the CCIR imaging labs. This system, now fully operational, adding high resolution spectroscopy/imaging to the CCIR portfolio. The system can be adapted to perform in vivo imaging scans, however the vertical and small bore make this scanner ideal for both ex-vivo and in-vitro studies. Like the other small animal MRI scanners, this scanner is broadband which provides multinuclear imaging capabilities (ex. 19F, 31P, 23Na, 13C). Dr. Xin Yu (BME) is currently using this capablility to measure ATP levels in perfused rat hearts.

The Cleveland Center for Structural Biology (CCSB) is an association of researchers at different Cleveland institutions, who study structure-function relationships and properties of large molecules that are involved in disease states. The center serves as a focal point to bring together researchers with interest in Structural Biology, to generate a stimulating research and educational environment, and to facilitate and promote interactions between structural biologists and medical colleagues. Further roles of the CCSB are in attracting high caliber faculty, research associates and students to the area and in generating resources for major research equipment. In these ways, the CCSB plays a key role in promoting biomedical research in Northern Ohio.

Design Fabrication Center is a fully equipped in-house CNC machining and fabricating facility, providing technical and engineering support services with mechanical, biomechanical, electrical and computerized applications. In the past 15 years of serving the research community, DFC has assisted with numerous projects and grant renewals and new grant awarding through designing and fabricating unique specialized apparatuses which made the new grants possible. DFC’s projects have received many patents and awards, as well as TV coverage. DFC has played a key role with a number of local technology transfer startup companies. From simple projects to advanced complex instrumentation, DFC is dedicated to the advancement of research and researchers goals in a timely and cost effective manner.

Center for Health Care Research and Policy - The mission of the Center for Health Care Research and Policy is to:  (1) improve the health of the public by conducting research that examines access to health care, increases the quality of health care services, and informs health policy and practice; and (2) lead educational programs that promote these goals.

General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Case Western Reserve University (Case) is an NIH funded resource specifically designed to support patient-oriented research. The GCRC at Case, was first funded in 1962, making it one of the oldest GCRCs in the country. It occupies sites at both University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC) and the MetroHealth Medical Center (MHMC).

The Case GCRC provides private and semiprivate rooms for the conduct of inpatient and outpatient research protocols for both adult and pediatric research subjects. In addition, procedure rooms, a metabolic kitchen supported by a research dietitian, a core chemistry laboratory, a gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopy laboratory, asample processing area, and an array of support personnel with diverse skills to facilitate successful completion of investigators’ protocols. GCRC personnel are available to provide expert support in biostatistics, informatics, and specialized laboratory techniques to assist with project design as well as implementation.

Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Center concentrates on metabolic investigations and on the training of investigators who are studying mouse models of metabolic diseases.  The center uses mass spectrometry or NMR of compounds labeled with stable isotopes.  This allows calculating metabolic fluxes such as lipid, protein, and glucose turnover.  The metabolic and metabolomic groups provide specialized, and in some cases, unique isotopic techniques to investigate the regulation of metabolic pathways and their intracellular compartmentation.  We conduct studies and analyses on mice shipped to CASE.  We also conduct analyses on samples from mice shipped from the user's lab.  We are available to discuss with potential users the design of experiments with isotopic compounds to be conducted in their labs.  We can also set up new analyses of (un)labeled metabolites. If re-derivation of mice shipped to our Center is required, the Case Transgenic and Targeting Core, directed by Dr. Ron Conlon, can provide this service.

Mt. Sinai Skills and Simulation Center (MSSSC) served many customers during its first year of operation. More than 3000 students have come to the facility to engage in various types of simulation education. It has been a resource for health care students throughout Northeast Ohio. Groups from the Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Lakeland Community College have used the facility. In addition, trainees and practitioners from area hospitals including the Cleveland Clinic Hospital system, MetroHealth, University Hospital system, and the VA  participated in simulation exercises at the center. The center accomplished its initial goals: to provide access to a variety of simulation modalities and to be multidisciplinary.

Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine is a multi-institutional center composed of investigators from Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Athersys, Inc., and Ohio State University. Building on the 20 year history of adult stem cell research in northeast Ohio, the Center was created in 2003 with a $19.4 million award from the State of Ohio as a Wright Center of Innovation. An additional $8 million award in 2006 from the State of Ohio’s Biomedical Research and Commercialization Program further validated the Center’s ability to achieve its mission to utilize human stem cell and tissue engineering technologies to treat human disease.

Center for RNA Molecular Biology - The Center was created to facilitate communication between laboratories in multiple departments with a shared interest in RNA science and to encourage collaborative research. The success of the Center in these endeavors lead to its formal recognition as an independent unit in 2001. Its expanded charge was to recruit new investigators in existing and emerging areas of RNA biology while continuing to provide a fertile environment for collaborative research using shared expertise and resources. The Center also provides exceptional opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral training in an open and interactive setting.

Center for Science, Health, and Society - The Center for Science, Health and Society (CSHS) was created in 2002 to focus the efforts of the University and the city in a significant new collaboration to impact the areas of health and healthcare delivery systems through community outreach, education, and health policy.

The Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health - The Swetland Center brings a new emphasis to Environmental Health at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and affiliated hospitals throughout Greater Cleveland.

The current major focus of the Center is on the environmental health problems of the Cleveland community especially related to toxic exposures of children and their families. As an academic Center, it has four major components: Medical Education, Clinical Care, Research, and Public Health.

Center for the Translational Neuroscience - The goals of the Center for Translational Neuroscience are to develop scientific interactions that promote understanding of the pathology of neurological diseases and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of those diseases.

The Center pursues these goals through Translational Interest Group meetings and events, and through the Neurological Institute, in the University Hospitals Case Medical Center, where clinicians and investigators have a direct conduit between research and developing treatments.

Institute for Global Security, Law, and Policy - The events and aftermath of 9/11 have made security and counter-terrorism fundamental, if not defining, concerns for the world community, nations, companies, the legal system, and individuals. Security and counter-terrorism present distinct new policy and legal issues. Satisfactorily addressing these issues requires a broad approach taking into account the vast legal, financial, political, social, religious, and cultural roots and ramifications inherent in this area. The Institute for Global Security Law and Policy at Case School of Law offers a uniquely comprehensive hub for addressing these issues through a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary approach that also blends theory with practical applications. The Institute develops and integrates the best learning from the academy and the real world and draws on numerous disciplines and experiences to provide innovative and world class programs, research, teaching, and service on the issues of security and counter-terrorism. The work of the Institute serves as an invaluable resource to governments, businesses, organizations, the legal profession, and the general community. Moreover, the course and programs of the Institute educates students at Case Western Reserve University School of Law on these key issues so that they can better serve clients and society in the post 9/11 world and become future leaders in the search for solutions to problems of national security and terrorism.

Canada-United States Law Institute - (CUSLI) is a bi-national, not-for-profit, multi-disciplinary entity created jointly in 1976 by Case Western Reserve University School of Law located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA and the Faculty of Law, University of Western Ontario located in London, Ontario, Canada. CUSLI serves as a forum where the respective governments, business communities, legal professionals, academics, non-governmental organizations and the media explore and address the issues confronting the Canada - United States relationship.

Center for Business and Law Regulation - The Center for Business Law & Regulation at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law was founded in 2003 to address the challenges presented by this changed business environment.  The mission of the Center is to prepare future leaders to understand business issues facing entrepreneurs, business entities, and other clients, engage in legal, empirical, and interdisciplinary research on the role and impact of government in the regulation of business, and foster public debate regarding the role of government in the regulation of businesses.

Center for Professional Ethics - The Center was founded in June 1980 "to provide opportunities for students, faculty, administrators and professionals to explore more fully the foundations of personal and professional ethics." The Center reaches out to the University community, as well as practicing professionals, through a variety of conferences, forums, and workshops. These programs, which are open to the public, explore a wide range of topics pertaining to ethics. The Center also publishes and distributes The Center for Professional Ethics Newsletter which features substantive articles, information about the Center's activities, and news and notes about ethics issues generally.

Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Conflict and Dispute Resolution (CISCDR) CISCDR's core mission is to bring greater ADR sensitivity and skill development to Case School of Law students to prepare them for the multiple roles that they will perform as lawyers in a global economy

Center for Law, Technology, and the Arts (Center for LTA) was created with the understanding that technologic and artistic expression are both part of the human creative enterprise; and there are artistic influences in science and scientific influences in the arts. Also behind the Center for LTA’s creation was the recognition that the ongoing technological revolution presents new opportunities and challenges for our legal system pertaining to technological innovation and related proprietary rights. There have been significant national and international developments in the visual and musical arts that offer their own opportunities and challenges. Law and technology and law and the arts are burgeoning fields that present some of the most exciting, important, and complex issues facing not only our legal system, but also the business and technology communities.

Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Center - The Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Center is where students put their lawyering skills to work representing real clients in civil, criminal, and transactional matters. With close assistance from faculty members, a student in one of the civil clinics may incorporate a nonprofit institution, help a homeowner sue for predatory lending practices, or obtain disability benefits for a client. In the criminal clinic, students handle misdemeanors ranging from DUI to petty theft.

Center for Research and Scholarship (CFRS) provides infrastructure support for faculty and students for research and dissemination of scholarly work. It announces funding opportunities, assists with development of research proposals (budgeting, editing, and compilation) and research results, and provides guidance with post award compliance, budgeting, and human subject approval issues.

In addition to research support, the CFRS facilitates faculty scholarship by developing a faculty research mentorship program, assisting in faculty and joint faculty-student publications, and providing leadership participation and recognition at national nursing research conferences and meetings.

Sarah Cole Hirsh Institute for Best Nursing Practices Based on Evidence - One of the first of its kind, the Institute was established by the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in 1998.

The Hirsh Institute provides consulting services on the implementation of evidence-based practice changes across health care settings and Certificate Programs that educate nurses to determine the best practices based on evidence. It also facilitates and mentors others in the transfer of research knowledge into practice and searches for and synthesizes current research on specific topics.