IGB inks new partnership with Sri Lanka
IGB Director Gene Robinson (left) and Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka, sign the MOU between the institutes. / Sarah Schwartz
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The IGB and the Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) have taken the first steps to create a new international training program.
Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Minister of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka, and Gene Robinson, IGB Director, signed a memorandum of understanding between the two institutes, laying the groundwork for a multi-year partnership. The signing event took place at the University of Illinois on September 17.
The partnership will begin with genomics and bioinformatics training programs to build capacity for SLIBTEC and associated universities. These programs are expected to begin within the next year, with the potential for research collaboration in the future
“I look forward to what the future holds as our two institutes launch this exciting and productive partnership, and to many years of a beneficial exchange of talented individuals, inventive ideas, and empowering science,” Robinson said.
Other honored guests from Sri Lanka included Professor Kapila Seneviratne, Chairman, University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka; and Vice Chancellor Terrence Madhujith and former Vice Chancellor M.D. Lamawansa, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Siva Sivananthan, President and Chairman of Sivananthan Laboratories, brought the parties together to support building the connection between SLIBTEC, the University of Peradeniya, and the University of Illinois.
Sri Lanka Institute of Biotechnology (SLIBTEC) Private Limited is a government-owned company designed to serve as a one-stop shop for biotechnology innovation, research, and manufacturing in Sri Lanka.