The Kellogg Clinical Research Center (KCRC), a 5,000-square-foot research unit located on the fifth floor of the Kellogg Tower at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Founded in 2015, the KCRC was established to improve the organization and efficiency of clinical eye research at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center. “Prior to the KCRC, research efforts were fragmented and inefficient, with study teams working in isolation and lacking shared resources,” says Grant Comer, M.D., M.S., Richard and Marilyn Witham Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Medical Director of the KCRC. “The KCRC centralizes resources, including people, space, and equipment, providing a more seamless and high-quality experience for research participants and facilitating greater collaboration among faculty.” Dr. Comer joined the U-M Kellogg Eye Center in 2005 as a retina fellow and began to notice that clinical research teams were disconnected, with each faculty member needing to build a new team for every study. In 2007, after being hired by Paul Lichter, M.D., M.S., Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and former Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Comer was asked to revitalize the clinical research program, and he earned a master's degree in clinical research design to help achieve this. As his clinical duties transitioned, Dr. Comer focused on streamlining research processes and uniting the department’s diverse skills and resources, improving efficiency and collaboration. He envisioned a centralized space where research participants would have a seamless, coordinated experience. When Paul Lee, M.D., J.D., Executive Director, University of Michigan Medical Group; Senior Associate Dean, Clinical Affairs; Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, became Department Chair, he devoted startup funds to make this vision a reality. Working with university architects, Dr. Comer helped transform the fifth floor of the Kellogg Tower, formerly used for basic science labs, into the KCRC, which officially opened in 2015 as a dedicated, sustainable hub for clinical research. Since then, the KCRC has evolved beyond industry-sponsored studies, now supporting research conducted both within and beyond the U-M Department of Ophthalmology, as well as studies initiated by faculty members themselves. “The facility’s location within the Kellogg Eye Center enhances collaboration with clinical teams and with other research groups at U-M, including the Brehm Tower, which is focused on diabetes research,” says Dr. Comer. “It offers specialized equipment certified to sponsor requirements, dedicated staff, and ample space, allowing for more efficient and high-caliber research operations.” During its operation, the KCRC has been involved in numerous notable achievements, including participation in the pioneering Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) study, which led to a new treatment for the disease. Looking ahead, the KCRC aims to continue its growth, particularly in promising areas such as stem cell and gene therapy research. “Our goal remains to provide a culture of excellence and kindness, putting the patient first,” he says.