Wichita State launches Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology

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.

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Key features of IRMAT:

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.”

Science that changes lives

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

About Wichita State University

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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