Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand access to each institution’s specialized research infrastructure.
The MOU, which is effective immediately, establishes a reciprocal agreement allowing faculty and researchers at both institutions to access designated core facilities at each other’s institution’s internal rate. These facilities include high-end scientific equipment, technical services, and expert support spanning basic, clinical, and translational research. This agreement will enable access to novel avenues of pursuit for scholars at each organization.
“Research is meant to solve humanity’s biggest problems, which is an important part of our mission at ACPHS,” said Director of Research and Sponsored Programs, Joseph J. Carreno ’10, PharmD. “This MOU helps our organizations get one step closer to solving these challenges.”
The MOU has mutual benefit to the organizations due to the new economies of scale created by the agreement. Moreover, this agreement demonstrates a commitment to effective scientific cooperation in the Capital Region. This shared environment will create an ecosystem for research excellence through the free exchange of research ideas amongst the organizations’ researchers.
RPI Professor, Department Head, and CBIS Director, Juergen Hahn, PhD, added, “This agreement is a win-win for researchers at both institutions as it leverages existing resources, enhances existing collaborations and facilitates future ones.”
The MOU outlines guidelines for researcher access, usage prioritization, cost-sharing arrangements, and administrative oversight. By creating a streamlined and cooperative framework, the agreement supports the efficient use of resources and furthers each institution’s educational and research missions.
“CBET and RPI have so much potential synergy,” stated Michelle Lewis, PhD, Executive Director of the Stack Family Center for Biopharmaceutical Education and Training. “Our complementary strengths in biomanufacturing, engineering, and applied research create an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and workforce development in the Capital Region. This MOU positions us well to pursue new funding, develop interdisciplinary programs, and build a robust regional biotech ecosystem.”
The MOU will help each organization pursue its institutional goals. Research excellence and community engagement are integral to ACPHS’ and RPI’s strategic plans. ACPHS and RPI have both maintained Carnegie Research Designations, ACPHS as a research college and university, and RPI as an R1 university. This agreement aligns with each organization’s strategic objectives.
RPI Director of Research Cores, Marimar Lopez, PhD, said, “The CBIS core facilities house some very unique capabilities in the Capital Region, and we are excited to share them with investigators at ACPHS as we continue moving forward.”
For more information about the Core Facilities available through this partnership, visit:
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