History of IEM

1972

UMN creates a PhD program in Biomedical Engineering

1980

MS in Biomedical Engineering program added

1986

Biomedical Engineering Center (BMEC) proposed

1988

Center for Interfacial Engineering, a UMN-led NSF Engineering Research Center, creates Center for Biomedical Interfacial Engineering (BIE)

1989

State of MN appropriates funds for UMN Biomedical Engineering Center (BMEC)

1994

UMN creates Biomedical Engineering Institute (BMEI), managed by the Medical School and Institute for Technology (today’s CSE) to encompass biomedical engineering graduate programs, BIE, and BMEC

1998

BMEI becomes the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering (BME)

2000

BME is split into BMEI (Medical School) and BME (Institute for Technology/CSE)

2000

Jeffrey McCullough named first Director of BMEI

2007

BMEI changes name to Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM)

2012

Bin He is named second Director of IEM

2017

John Bischof is named Interim Director of IEM

2018

John Bischof is named Director of IEM

Groundbreaking History and an Innovative Future

It’s hard to imagine, but “engineering in medicine” and “biomedical engineering” programs were virtually unheard of 50 years ago. People like Walt Lillehei and Earl E. Bakken simply tackled problems with a can-do attitude, studying medical and engineering material outside their fields as necessary.

The explosion of technological advancements and knowledge about biological systems naturally led to biomedical engineering departments and academic institutes like IEM. A broad outline of the University of Minnesota’s bioengineering history — including IEM — is captured below.

Take a look at the University of Minnesota System's 175th Anniversary web page for more on the amazing history excellence across the UMN.

Jeffrey McCullough

Director 2000-2012

Bin He

Director 2012-2017

John Bischof

Director 2017-current