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This document explores the opportunities and challenges of international scientific and educational exchanges, focusing on partnerships between the University of Minnesota (U of M) and Norwegian institutions in the field of biotechnology. It highlights various exchange agreements, including student, post-doctoral, and faculty research collaborations that began in 2000. Key examples illustrate projects like the bioproduction of lysine and clinical trials by Minnesota companies in Norway. The paper discusses leveraging mutual strengths, addressing intellectual property concerns, and the importance of student involvement in fostering sustainable solutions for future research.
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The Opportunities and Challenges of International Scientific/Educational Exchanges:A few examples from U of Minn – Norway exchanges in biotechnology
Exchange Overview • U of M has exchange agreements with several Norwegian Univ • Multiple U of M colleges involved • Multiple levels – student, post-doc, faculty/researchers • Student numbers, to and from Norway, still small in all categories • Research exchanges beyond existing formal agreements
Research “Exchanges” and Lessons • Current examples • NTNU/SINTEF Biotech Inst/CBS, UM • AKVAFORSK/NIFES, Ås CBS/Med, UM • Norway Ministry of Health State of Mn • Developing examples • Ag Univ of Norway, Ås IREE/Ag, UM
NTNU/SINTEF BTI/CBS,UM • Began 2000 • Applied biotech research • Bioproduction of lysine from methanol • Norwegian Research Council funded • Planned student/post doc exchange • Challenges for proprietary ownership/institutional differences
AKVAFORSK/NIFES,Ås CBS/Med • Began formally 2004 • Built on earlier grad student exchange and interactions at scientific meeting in Norway • Basic research with potential application • Norwegian Research Council funded • UM contribution: consultation, training venue
Norway Health Ministry MN State • Began 1998 • Minnesota companies have clinical trials in Norway • Built on biomed device strengths, need for patient base • Up to three companies/products now on market • Basis for new initiative in neurobiology area (MedEdge Conf 2004)
Ag Univ of Norway, Ås IREE/Ag,UM • Began 2004 • Project part of The Norwegian Research & Technology Forum in the U.S. / Canada: The Environmental Impact of Agriculture and Energy Use – 2003,2004 workshops • Basic/applied research on: Microwave Pyrolysis – Biomass Conversion and Waste Treatment for the Future • Builds on research strengths in both institutions • Will involve faculty and, perhaps, grad student exchanges • Overall vision: Catalyze the formation of “dream teams” who will conduct breakthrough research to provide sustainable solutions within biomass/bioenergy and functional genomics
Lessons/Directions • Build on mutual scientific strengths and research interests • Look for areas with applied potential • Cooperate on funding/in-kind support • Include student component, e.g. grad students • Deal up front with “institutional” differences, e.g. intellectual property