Regeneration and rehabilitation are broad fields that includes body-device interfaces and tissue engineering, as well as incorporating research into the engagement of the body’s repair and regeneration processes to restore damaged tissues and organs. VTCRI scientists are focused on developing next-generation biomaterials and devices to interface with the body including the heart, brain and connective tissues. Methods to place materials in the human body to help heal soft and hard tissues, or develop devices to facilitate the function of organs that have failed, represent exciting translational research opportunities to enhance patient care and quality of life. Likewise, the repair of wounds and ulcers in diabetes, and scar reduction after surgery including breast reconstruction after cancer, are important focus areas at the Research Institute. This is where laboratory discoveries move into the real world to address health care needs.