The Coriell Institute for Medical Research, originally known as the South Jersey Medical Research Foundation and then as the Institute for Medical Research, was founded by Dr. Lewis L. Coriell in 1953. Dr. Coriell, a Physician and a Virologist was a scientific pioneer, making invaluable contributions to biomedical research through advances in aseptic cell culture techniques, cryopreservation of cell lines, and clinical trials of polio prevention.
Over the past 72 years, the Coriell Institute has grown into a world-renowned biomedical research institute. In pursuit of our mission to prevent and cure disease, Coriell scientists conduct research in rare diseases, cancer, aging, infectious diseases, and personalized medicine. Coriell is one of the top recipients of research awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in New Jersey. Coriell was one of the first two official cell banks recognized by the NIH in 1960 and has served as an NIH-supported cell repository for more than 50 years, currently hosting biobanks for the following NIH institutes: NIGMS, NINDS, NHGRI, NEI, and NIA. Coriell also provides its laboratory and biobanking expertise to researchers and organizations who require assistance processing, storing and distributing their samples.
In partnership with Cooper University Health Care and the Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Coriell established the Camden Cancer Research Center (CCRC) in 2023, the first basic cancer research center in southern New Jersey. In 2025, in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Coriell announced the formation of a new state-designated Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) to support emerging biotech companies. The New Jersey Coriell Labs Innovation Center SIC will be the largest public life sciences incubator in the region and serve as the focal point to spur collaboration among the region’s academic, healthcare and research institutions.
