Representatives of education, nonprofit organizations, government and business got a sampling of University of Nebraska-Lincoln research Oct. 23, an opportunity to acknowledge existing partnerships and collaborations and potentially set groundwork toward future ones.

Several dozen guests of UNL’s first-ever Research and Innovation Showcase toured facilities and laboratories, got overviews of several key research areas, heard lightning talks from researchers and networked with faculty and each other.

“The leadership team in the Office of Research and Innovation has dreamed about hosting an event like this for a long time: the chance to open our doors for community leaders to visit our academic and research facilities and meet the talented and dedicated people who make big things happen,” said Jen Nelson, vice chancellor for research and innovation.

Video: Visitors take in a variety of research sites during UNL’s Research and Innovation Showcase

Among the facilities offered up for tours were the Beadle Center, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, engineering research operations, the Food Processing Center, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, the Greenhouse Innovation Center, Morrill Hall, the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts and the NIMBUS Outdoor Lab. At each site, faculty and staff provided briefings and answered questions.

Later, several Husker researchers discussed their work in brief lightning talks. The presenters were Tomáš Helikar, Eberhard Professor of Biological Chemistry, and professor of biochemistry; Yusong Li, associate dean, College of Engineering, and professor of civil and environmental engineering; Amanda Ramer-Tait, Maxcy Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and professor of food sciences and technology; Mario Scalora, director, Public Policy Center, and professor of psychology; James Schnable, Nebraska Corn Checkoff Presidential Chair and professor of agronomy and horticulture; Mark Stone, department head and professor, biological systems engineering; and seniors Patrick Stolinski, civil engineering, Victor Chan, mechanical engineering, and Carston Wiebe, computer engineering.

Participants were impressed by the showcase.

“It was a much-needed way for industry partners to discover new potential partners in the university,” said Grayson Stanton of NebDev LLC. “As someone who works with the university quite a bit, it makes it a lot easier for us to make connections with researchers in different fields and explore the exciting research happening at the university.”

“This is the first time I’ve had the chance to tour some of the facilities at UNL, and it was a blast to see the diverse fields of research happening in Nebraska,” Stanton added.

Jared Brosius of Beavercreek Marketing said the event “opened our eyes to the many resources available to us, even as a small business.” Brosius also appreciated the opportunities to network with other participants, “with even more possibilities and connections created throughout the day.”

John Agbekponou of DigiTrans LLC said he “gained valuable insights into emerging technologies and innovative solutions that align with our strategic goals. The event highlighted incredible opportunities for collaboration, and I’m excited about the potential partnerships.”

Mikki Sandin of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development sees potential for working with UNL to help students see STEM possibilities. And Alan Dostal of Nebraska Public Power District, already a frequent collaborator with UNL, sees potential for more partnerships.

“NPPD just extended its research agreement with UNL for another five years, which carries our energy research effort out to 2031,” Dostal said. “I expect this partnership will continue to bring benefits to our customers and all Nebraskans.”

Lisa Walker of the Nebraska City Area Economic Development Corp. said she saw opportunities for companies in Otoe County to work with R&I “to spark meaningful growth and innovation in our region.”

That’s exactly what the event was about, Nelson said.

“We envision the Showcase event as a starting point for new partnerships and collaborations,” she told participants. “UNL is here as a resource for you, and the important work you’re doing in our community and in the state of Nebraska.”

“If you come away with one message from today, it is that UNL wants to partner with you. We want to hear about the challenges you’re facing and the problems you are trying to solve, whether you’re driving innovation in the private sector, shaping policy in government or improving communities through nonprofit work. Each of you brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our state and our communities,” Nelson said.

She encouraged participants to reach out.

“Chances are, there is a person at UNL who can work with you and share their expertise, in the service of amplifying your goals and impacts. … We are invested in making sure that research translates into real-life applications.”

UNL faculty are eager to develop those real-life impacts. “We are all on the same team and want many of the same things: economic opportunities for ourselves and our children, better quality of life, and technologies that advance society.”

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