March 10, 2016
Research Showcase opens doors to industry, multidisciplinary research
What is the common denominator of a world-renowned agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer, a global food company and the largest electric provider in Kansas?
They want to learn more about K-State research.
Nearly 40 representatives from John Deere, ConAgra Foods, Westar Energy, and more than 30 other companies and economic development organizations have already registered to attend the March 22 K-State Research Showcase. The event will be from 3-5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the K-State Student Union and will facilitate collaboration by providing a venue for industry representatives to gain a better understanding of K-State research activities and capabilities. A reception will follow from 5-7 p.m. at the KSU Foundation.
Peter Dorhout, interim vice president for research, notes that industry partnerships are crucial to fostering future success and achieving our land-grant mission.
"The showcase is a significant step toward becoming a Top 50 public research university," Dorhout said. "Industry relations and corporate-sponsored research in particular will play an important role in realizing the K-State 2025 vision."
More than 70 faculty and staff are registered to provide an exhibit at the showcase, and all faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to attend. Richard Potter, director of the Office of Corporate Engagement, says last year's internal showcase event helped attendees understand the breadth of K-State research.
"A real value is to gain a better idea of research that's going on and to stimulate dialog around opportunities for multidisciplinary research," Potter said.
Corporate registration remains open until the day of the event. As of March 8, companies and organizations registered to attend the showcase include: AgriSync, Ardent Mills, B12 Capital Partners, Balinbac Therapeutics, Bunting Magnetics Co., ConAgra Foods, Coperion K-Tron, Grain Craft, Great Plains Manufacturing, Heartland Plant Innovations, Hill's Pet Nutrition, John Deere, Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Koch Industries, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, MRIGlobal, Ottawa County Service Corporation, Steel & Pipe Supply, Teeter Irrigation, Wenger Manufacturing and Westar Energy.
The K-State Research Showcase is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the KSU Institute for Commercialization, and the KSU Foundation. Please direct questions to Richard Potter at rmpotter@k-state.edu or 785-532-1840. Read more about the event.