Wichita State University has launched the Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology (IRMAT), an innovative collaboration focused on addressing disease and disability through applied research and technology. IRMAT will serve as a hub for cutting-edge, patient-driven research and development of transformative technologies to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. 

The groundbreaking collaboration brings together Wichita State’s College of Health Professions, College of Engineering, and Industry and Defense Programs, along with inaugural clinical partners Ascension Via Christi’s Rehabilitation Hospital, Heartspring’s Outpatient Services and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, to accelerate scientific advancements and develop assistive technologies.  

The institute will also conduct clinical trials of new devices and interventions, ensuring that Kansans gain quicker access to revolutionary health care solutions. This pioneering collaboration represents a significant advancement in WSU’s commitment to addressing disease and disability through applied research and technology. 

Media are invited to a press event at 1 p.m. today (Wednesday, Nov. 20) at the Digital Research and Transformation Hub, Room 110. Officials from WSU, Ascension Via Christi, Heartspring and the VA Medical Center will be on hand for interviews about this new initiative.  

• State-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology: Advanced laboratories and clinical spaces designed to facilitate groundbreaking research.
• Clinical relationships: Collaboration among experts in various fields — including therapeutic medicine, engineering and technology development — to foster innovative solutions and comprehensive care strategies. 
• Research opportunities: Offering specialized knowledge, skills and abilities leading researchers to advance discovery in rehabilitation and assistive technology.
• Statewide impact: Partnering with health systems across Kansas to ensure that research and development meets real-world needs and enhances patient outcomes, improving health care across the state. 

“Wichita State has a unique combination of clinicians, scientists and engineers complimented by the internationally recognized development and fabrication programs on our Innovation Campus,” said Dr. Gregory Hand, dean of the College of Health Professions. “In collaboration with our inaugural clinical partners, our goal is to use science and technology to improve the lives of individuals across the state.” 

Laurie Labarca, president for Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa and Ascension Via Christi Rehabilitation Hospital, said they look forward to the contributions and collaborations that will emerge from this new venture. 

“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration with industry leaders can drive innovation and enhance patient care. We are thrilled to be part of this effort, ultimately transforming the way we address complex medical challenges.” 

With the aging population and increasing importance of accessibility, the assistive technology market is expected to grow to over $30 billion by 2030. IRMAT will play a vital role in developing innovative assistive devices that can be licensed and manufactured in Wichita. New reimbursement policies through the health care industry will allow the institute to establish clinical trials of new devices, increasing access for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities across Kansas.  

“The institute has the potential to impact the wellbeing of countless individuals in our community and state,” said Pierre Harter, WSU associate vice president for Research and Industry Engagement. “This unique partnership allows us to integrate the collective expertise of biomedical engineering and health professions faculty, the National Institute for Aviation Research, the National Institute for Research and Digital Transformation research engineers, and our partners’ patient bases to develop and build transformative, technology-based, applied health care solutions.”  

Currently located on the WSU campus, IRMAT will move to the new Wichita Biomedical Campus in downtown Wichita in 2027. The modern clinical and laboratory spaces in the new facility, along with the institute’s adjacent clinical partners, will offer individuals participating in clinical trials access to the latest technologies and treatments. 

The Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology is where health care and science intersect to improve the lives of Kansans. With the growth of the assistive technology market, IRMAT is positioned to be a leader in advancing care and improving accessibility across Kansas. 

For more information, visit wichita.edu/IRMAT.  

Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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