Today, the University of Notre Dame and Beacon Health System announced a new, multiyear research collaboration. Through this agreement, Notre Dame and Beacon will jointly develop collaborative, health-focused research projects that are of interest to both organizations, particularly in the areas of oncology and health data. Within these projects, Notre Dame will lead research efforts, and Beacon will be responsible for indirect and direct clinical care. To support the success of cooperative research projects, this agreement also enables researchers and clinicians to securely exchange project-related data.

“This collaboration is a critical step in closing the gap between academic research and clinical care in our region,” said Jeffrey F. Rhoads, the John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research at Notre Dame. “We are proud to deepen our existing relationship with Beacon Health System and formalize a structure for research collaboration to ensure that our local community continues to benefit directly.”

A key goal of this agreement is to create significant impact, both within the participating organizations and in the community at large. Through its support of research and scientific discovery, the agreement aims to drive innovation in patient care, as well as disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it will enable the recruitment of academics with interests in clinical research and physicians with interests in academic research, creating a pipeline to bring top talent to the region. The agreement will also provide workforce development opportunities for physicians and researchers.

“Beacon’s strength has always been its deep commitment to the communities we serve, and this partnership with Notre Dame amplifies that commitment,” said Mark Brett, chief operating officer at Beacon Health System. “By partnering with Notre Dame’s research expertise, we can translate the latest scientific discoveries into improved treatments and care protocols while gaining deeper insights into the unique health needs of our community. This positions us to deliver cutting-edge care today while building the foundation for even stronger health outcomes tomorrow.”

This agreement also enables both organizations to take action on key strategic priorities. Notre Dame identifies health and well-being as an area of investment and emphasizes the need to build strong community partnerships in its 2033 strategic framework. Beacon identifies clinical excellence and community responsiveness in its strategic initiatives. By aligning more deeply these goals, the collaboration aims to advance institutional priorities and support the improvement of community health and well-being in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.

The University of Notre Dame and Beacon Health System have a long history of working together. This new research agreement builds on the existing relationship between Notre Dame Athletics and Beacon, which supports health and wellness in the local community. Further, experts from Notre Dame and Beacon have long worked together on cutting-edge research projects, including improving trauma patient care, optimizing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) design, developing innovative spinal surgery technology and enhancing postpartum health outcomes. Currently, the Harper Cancer Research Institute at Notre Dame and Beacon are in the process of hiring a chief of oncology and associate director for clinical and community research, which will be a joint appointment between the institutions — the first of its kind for the two partners.

To learn more about the collaboration, visit the University of Notre Dame or Beacon Health System online.

Contact: Erin Blasko, associate director of media relations, University of Notre Dame, 574-631-4127, eblasko@nd.edu; Heidi Prescott, senior media relations strategist, Beacon Health System, 574-647-3001, hprescottwieneke@beaconhealthsystem.org

Originally published by Erin Blasko at news.nd.edu on October 16, 2025.