Late last year, the University of Minnesota Research and Innovation Office launched the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC) to advance biomanufacturing research and build connections with industry. Carmen Schicklberger recently joined BBIC as its chief operations officer. She shared a bit about her background and how she plans to serve as a link with industry as the University expands discovery and use-inspired research focused on biomanufacturing and finds new opportunities to connect researchers with biotechnology companies in the region.
What is your role within BTI and what drew you to this position?
I joined the University of Minnesota as the chief operations officer for the new Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation Center (BBIC) and I am working closely with BBIC and BioTechnology Institute (BTI) Director Claudia Schmidt-Dannert. BBIC is aligned with BTI’s mission to foster cross-disciplinary research and innovation by leveraging the strengths and capabilities across colleges/schools at the University and tosupport professional biotechnology training and partnerships for the wider bioeconomy in Minnesota. BTI faculty are already providing relevant expertise and networks for many foundational milestones and projects associated with the new center.
I was excited about the position because of BBIC’s mission and the impact that the center will have. BBIC will leverage Minnesota’s abundant natural resources (agricultural lands, forests, minerals, water), and technical strengths in the agricultural, biomedical, and food sectors and educational system to stimulate discovery and innovation, and build a stronger workforce. This mission aligns with the Bold Goals for U..S Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing and has huge potential in further developing Minnesota as a bioeconomy hub.
Right now, I am speaking with internal and external stakeholders to understand the many successful research and collaboration models that have been implemented on campus and also the opportunities for partnership within the state’s biotechnology ecosystem. I welcome the opportunity to work within a larger coalition and with leadership to develop a sustainable model for the center.
How is working in an academic setting different than previous roles?
The transition to the University has been great thus far and I have been really impressed by how open people are to providing feedback and sharing lessons learned. It is a large organization and there are a lot of different departments and units to navigate. I have received a lot of great advice. I am enjoying being part of an academic community again and it is inspiring to hear and see all of the cutting-edge science and technology at the University. It is also quite encouraging to be surrounded by students and to know that the new center will provide critical training and support good jobs through a variety of strategies for a new generation of scientists and engineers.
My last experience in an academic environment was as a postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zurich. In academia, I was always impressed by the brilliant ideas and new perspectives behind the scientific discoveries of my colleagues. And at the University of Minnesota, it is the same. I continue to be inspired and motivated by novel discoveries and new startups. Part of what I will enjoy in my new role is helping to translate the stories of innovation and scientific breakthroughs for many audiences, including those that can support BBIC.
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
I am looking forward to finalizing a strategic business plan with feedback from stakeholders in the center that can help guide its growth. I am also excited about organizing the first event planned for early next year to further socialize the University’s bioeconomy cluster including BBIC, BTI, etc with different stakeholders.
What should colleagues across the University know about you and your role?
The University is a large institution and I am slowly making my way and meeting a lot of individuals that have provided valuable insights or will be partners in the effort to establish the new center. I do also want to encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about BBIC or sees a potential intersection to reach out. I am happy to discuss new avenues of research, new collaboration ideas, or new partnership opportunities.