Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the primary health care issues in Louisiana and the Southeast region. While it is acknowledged that hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor, it has increasingly become apparent that hypertension and kidney diseases are very closely linked. The Tulane Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence was developed to centralize and coordinate research activities related to cardiovascular, kidney, and hypertension diseases. Such diseases not only reduce the quality of life for individuals but also increase the costs of medical care.The center houses a state-of-the-art molecular and analytical core facilities and is composed of faculty from multi-disciplinary fields that are specifically dedicated to investigative efforts, patient care, and public education in the crucial areas of hypertension and kidney diseases. Emphasis is placed on translating basic science discoveries to the clinical arena. The center provides unique research opportunities for emerging leaders in hypertension by establishing an enriched environment in which to develop investigators in both the clinical and basic hypertension research. Other activities of the center include the sponsorship of local and regional meetings on Hypertension and public education programs to increase awareness of the dangers of hypertension.