IBIO Institute ICON 08

Institute Programs

Specialized research

Agricultural Biotechnology Leadership Summit (ABLS)
Throughout 2007, iBIO Institute has hosted a series of meetings called the Agricultural Biotechnology Leadership Summit (ABLS). ABLS is convened by the University of Illinois College of Agriculture Dean and iBIO Institute board member, Robert A. Easter. The top executives from stakeholder companies, agencies and organizations have attended ABLS meetings in order to identify and address threats facing Illinois agriculture, and to develop an agricultural-biotechnology strategy for the state.

This year the Institute completed a study to research the strategies of other Midwestern states to determine common issues in the region, and survey the efforts being undertaken to address them.  Through our analysis and in collaboration with major agricultural stakeholder companies and organizations, we can better understand Illinois’ priorities and develop an agricultural strategy specific to Illinois with both short- and long-term objectives.

Biotechnology Education Best Practices Survey
In order to better serve the Illinois life sciences community and develop a talent pipeline for the industry, the iBIO Institute surveyed other parts of the nation for their achievements and successes in biotechnology education.  Working with BIOCOM, a premier life sciences industry in Southern California, and the NC BioNetwork, we researched the core elements of success at both the K-12 and university/college stage, and determined key players in both industry and education. 

Click here to download a summary of our findings.