International Exchange
BTI researchers collaborate with scholars and scientists from around the world. Formal exchange programs between institutions enhance communications between researchers.
University of Tokyo
Since 2017, BTI has partnered with University of Tokyo’s Agro-Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology/ Applied Biological Chemistry. The partnership kicked off with a symposium in Minnesota, and will continue in 2023 when BTI faculty visit Tokyo for a joint symposium. University of Tokyo students will study in Minnesota, further deepening the partnership between universities and providing students and faculty with life-changing opportunities for collaboration.
Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Students from BTI spend several weeks in a laboratory at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) in western Japan conducting research and immersing themselves in a different culture. Students from the host laboratory become cultural mentors for the U.S. visitors and in exchange the biotech trainees host a reciprocal visit for NAIST students–forging lasting professional and personal bonds.
Hochschule Wadenswill
In 2001, BTI welcomed the first students from Hochschule Wadenswill, Switzerland, which specializes in applied biotechnology. Students from Wadenswill typically spent 4-6 months working with BTI graduate students in a BTI faculty laboratory. Upon return to Wadenswill the student wrote a diploma thesis based on their learning experience at BTI. The BTI laboratory benefited from the focused efforts of students who came well trained in the techniques of applied biotechnology.
A Rewarding Experience in Japan
Janice Frias, Katherine Volzing, Chad Satori and Josh Ochocki visited Japan this past November as part of the BioTechnology Institute’s ongoing exchange program with the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST). They travelled to Japan with returning exchange students from NAIST whom they had previously hosted at BTI.
BTI-NAIST Exchange Marks 15 Years
Following a visit to Minnesota by three Japanese graduate students from the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), a group of four Minnesota graduate students from the BioTechnology Institute (BTI) visited Japan in mid-October. Chris Flynn, Grayson Wawrzyn, Jessica Eichmiller and Maria Rebolleda-Gomez were graciously hosted by their NAIST counterparts on a 3-week trip that completed the 15th exchange in a program organized by former BTI Director, Ken Valentas in 1996.