Representatives of training, nonprofit organizations, authorities and enterprise received a sampling of University of Nebraska–Lincoln research Oct. 23, a chance to acknowledge current partnerships and collaborations and probably set groundwork towards future ones.
Several dozen company of the college’s inaugural Research and Innovation Showcase toured services and laboratories, received overviews of a number of key research areas, heard lightning talks from researchers and networked with school and each other.
“The leadership team in the Office of Research and Innovation has dreamed about hosting an event like this for a long time — the chance to open our doors for community leaders to visit our academic and research facilities and meet the talented and dedicated people who make big things happen,” stated Jen Nelson, vice chancellor for research and innovation.
Among the services provided up for excursions had been the Beadle Center, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, engineering research operations, Food Processing Center, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, Greenhouse Innovation Center, Morrill Hall, Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts and NIMBUS Outdoor Lab. At every web site, school and employees offered briefings and answered questions.
Later, a number of Husker researchers mentioned their work in short lightning talks. The presenters had been Tomáš Helikar, Eberhard Professor of Biological Chemistry and professor of biochemistry; Yusong Li, affiliate dean within the College of Engineering and professor of civil and environmental engineering; Amanda Ramer-Tait, Maxcy Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources and professor of meals sciences and know-how; Mario Scalora, director of the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center and professor of psychology; James Schnable, Nebraska Corn Checkoff Presidential Chair and professor of agronomy and horticulture; Mark Stone, division head and professor of organic methods engineering; and seniors Patrick Stolinski, civil engineering, Victor Chan, mechanical engineering, and Carston Wiebe, pc engineering.
Participants had been impressed by the showcase.
“It was a much-needed way for industry partners to discover new potential partners in the university,” stated Grayson Stanton of NebDev, LLC. “As someone who works with the university quite a bit, it makes it a lot easier for us to make connections with researchers in different fields and explore the exciting research happening at the university.
“This is the first time I’ve had the chance to tour some of the facilities at UNL, and it was a blast to see the diverse fields of research happening in Nebraska.”
Jared Brosius of Beavercreek Marketing stated the occasion “opened our eyes to the many resources available to us, even as a small business.” Brosius additionally appreciated the alternatives to community with different individuals, “with even more possibilities and connections created throughout the day.”
John Agbekponou of DigiTrans, LLC, stated he “gained valuable insights into emerging technologies and innovative solutions that align with our strategic goals. The event highlighted incredible opportunities for collaboration, and I’m excited about the potential partnerships.”
Mikki Sandin of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development sees potential for working with the college to assist college students see STEM potentialities. And Alan Dostal of Nebraska Public Power District, already a frequent collaborator with the college, sees potential for extra partnerships.
“NPPD just extended its research agreement with UNL for another five years, which carries our energy research effort out to 2031,” Dostal stated. “I expect this partnership will continue to bring benefits to our customers and all Nebraskans.”
Lisa Walker of the Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corp. stated she noticed alternatives for corporations in Otoe County to work with Research and Innovation “to spark meaningful growth and innovation in our region.”
That’s precisely what the occasion was about, Nelson stated.
“We envision the showcase event as a starting point for new partnerships and collaborations,” she informed individuals. “UNL is here as a resource for you, and the important work you’re doing in our community and in the state of Nebraska.
“If you come away with one message from today, it is that UNL wants to partner with you. We want to hear about the challenges you’re facing and the problems you are trying to solve, whether you’re driving innovation in the private sector, shaping policy in government or improving communities through nonprofit work. Each of you brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our state and our communities.”
She inspired individuals to attain out.
“Chances are, there is a person at UNL who can work with you and share their expertise, in the service of amplifying your goals and impacts. … We are invested in making sure that research translates into real-life applications.”
Husker school are keen to develop these real-life impacts.
“We are all on the same team and want many of the same things: economic opportunities for ourselves and our children, better quality of life, and technologies that advance society,” Nelson stated.