A partnership in the life sciences formalized in July between the University of Delaware and Fraunhofer USA is expected to yield a variety of economic and educational benefits.
"UD and Fraunhofer will join our respective and complementary technological capabilities and scientific expertise to further our joint goals — providing a safer, healthier nation and world, as well as jobs for the local economy, and establishing Delaware as a leader in life sciences," said UD President Patrick Harker at the partnership agreement signing.
The six-year agreement coalesces the strengths of Fraunhofer's Center for Molecular Biotechnology (CMB) in applied translational research and UD's strengths in basic research. Each partner will gain access to the other's expertise and facilities, as well as increased opportunities to collaborate and improved possibilities to commercialize results.
Located in Delaware Technology Park, CMB uses cutting-edge techniques in plant biotechnology to develop products for infectious disease and autoimmune disorders in humans. The center houses nearly 90 researchers with expertise in plant virology, molecular biology, protein engineering, protein biochemistry, immunology, vaccine development, quality assurance and quality control.