The joint Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine (CENM) is a partnership between researchers at several Saudi research institutions, including King Abdulaziz City of Science and Technology , King Saud University, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, and the University of California, San Diego. CENM research applies the tools of polymer chemistry and nanotechnology to medical challenges such as disease-selective drug delivery, early detection of disease by noninvasive imaging, and stem cell-based therapies. In the process, collaboration across continents strengthens the research infrastructure in Saudi Arabia by providing training opportunities for Saudi scientists and sharing technical expertise.