Kansas State welcomed Sen. Jerry Moran to campus Aug. 26 to announce a $7 million federal investment toward the construction of a new Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility.
K-State aims to elevate itself through research and development as a trailblazer in the biomanufacturing field, as the new facility will allow for the exploration of new opportunities and ideas.
Moran said the investment will prepare students for the future by providing quality equipment, facilities and programs for prospective and current students in the field.
“A lot of our focus is trying to create a workforce and an educated citizenry that can do things into the future that portend a bright future for our state,” Moran said. “We are going to use $4 million to update equipment and build a biomanufacturing training and education center. … In addition to that, we’ve also secured $3 million for purchases of equipment and machinery for a pharma plot plant.”
Vaccine production is a focal point for K-State, and its program looks to continue finding ways to fight health threats. K-State President Richard Linton said the funding will contribute toward research in the pursuit to protect one another.
“The need for effective vaccine production and distribution is more critical and important than ever,” Linton said. “By focusing on cutting-edge solutions to combat zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, we are not only safeguarding the food supply, but we’re also protecting human health.”
Through this initiative, K-State plans to cement itself as a leader in biomanufacturing and biosecurity by providing students with modern equipment to assist in-depth research.
Zolian Zoong Lwe, graduate in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, said this initiative is exciting and will have a positive influence on the university.
“For the college, I think this will elevate the profile of the university by attracting talented individuals to K-State and in keeping talent within the state,” Zoong Lwe said. “As for students, there’s nothing better than getting your training at a place that is thriving within your field.”
Linton said the initiative will have a positive impact on the state.
“Our mission here at Kansas remains the same: to make a difference in peoples’ lives every single day,” Linton said. “The innovation happening here will create a healthier, safer future for Kansans and beyond.”
Readers interested in more information on the initiative and its facilities can visit the K-State News page on K-State’s website.
