Strengthening Ties Between WashU and MU: Advancing Translational Research Through Mentorship
The recent visit from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) to the University of Missouri (MU) marked a significant step forward in fostering a strong mentor-mentee relationship aimed at accelerating translational research. This collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact by leveraging mentorship, institutional knowledge, and cross-campus collaboration. By deepening these connections, both institutions are working together to enhance research capacity, and ultimately translate scientific discoveries into meaningful societal benefits.
Essential Highlights:
- Strategic Support: MU Graduate Student Fellows to Join WashU’s 2025–26 Biotech Entrepreneurship Certificate Program
As part of a growing partnership and commitment to advancing translational research, selected graduate student fellows associated with funded STRP projects from the University of Missouri (MU) will participate in Washington University in St. Louis’s (WashU) prestigious Biotech Entrepreneurship Certificate Program (formerly known as the Fellows Program) to be offered through Fall 2025-Spring 2026. This strategic initiative is designed to provide MU fellows with immersive, hands-on experience in a high-impact translational research environment, offering mentorship, professional development, and exposure to best practices in commercialization and innovation. By integrating MU fellows into this program, both institutions aim to strengthen capacity, foster cross-institutional learning, and accelerate the translation of academic discoveries into real-world solutions.
- Exploration of potential industry partnerships: Campus Visits Focused on Building Industry Connections
To strengthen innovation and accelerate the translation of research from the lab to real-world applications, campus visits will be conducted with a clear and focused objective: to engage in strategic discussions that deepen and broaden industry partnerships. These visits will focus on identifying and nurturing meaningful collaborations, sharing effective strategies, exploring best practices, and capturing key lessons learned. The overarching goal is to foster strong industry pull and build impactful, long-term relationships that support sustainable innovation and translational success.
- Strengthening Boot Camp, Education and Professional Development: Training Through Expert Engagement
To support ongoing training, mentoring, education, and skill-building efforts at MU, guest subject matter experts from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) will be invited to share their expertise and experiences with MU faculty, postdocs, and students. These sessions will complement MU’s existing professional development initiatives and will be integrated with innovation and entrepreneurship training opportunities for translational researchers, helping to strengthen their capacity to advance research toward real-world impact.