Frequently Asked Questions: Partnership

How was this partnership formed?

The Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics represents an initiative to bring together the state's two largest medical research institutions in an historic collaboration. The idea was born out of a desire by both institutions, together with the state, to move Minnesota bioscience research to a world-class and highly competitive level.

Why was this partnership formed?

The health care and economic potential of biotechnology and medical genomics is significant, but so is the cost of development. Neither the University of Minnesota nor Mayo Clinic can successfully undertake such a broad and far-reaching initiative on its own. A partnership was announced in April 2003 to undertake joint research projects involving scientists from both the University and Mayo Clinic. In addition, there are areas of research that are better performed by faculty from both institutions and where research may have a greater likelihood of a break through - areas of true synergy.

Who is involved in the partnership?

Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota are collaborators in the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics, which is supported by Governor Tim Pawlenty and legislative funding.

Is this a merger?

This partnership does not represent a merger or creation of a new entity; rather, it is a powerful research collaboration designed to achieve breakthroughs that improve lives through more precise diagnosis and effective medical treatment.

What are the goals of the partnership?

The partnership seeks to position Minnesota as a world leader in biotechnology and medical genomics applications that will result in important new medical discoveries, thereby improving health care for patients and supporting the development of new businesses and jobs in Minnesota.

The goals of the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics are threefold:

• To produce scientific advances
• To identify and lead to improvements in health care
• To provide stimulus for new jobs and an expanded tax base for Minnesota

Why haven't the University and Mayo collaborated before?

The University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic have collaborated before in areas of research and education. Indeed, the history of collaboration between the two institutions goes back more than a hundred years. This partnership represents a focused, intense, and public effort to move Minnesota into a position of being a word-class center of biosciences research.

What does it mean to have a Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics?

The Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics has the potential to impact lives in dramatic ways: breakthroughs in new methods to accurately diagnose - and develop innovative therapies for - major diseases such as cancer, heart disease and/or neurological disease, among others; new businesses and quality jobs for Minnesotans; and an expanded tax base. Moreover, the success of the partnership contributes to Minnesota's reputation for excellence in the health care, medical technology, and biosciences arenas.

Where will the partnership be located?

The partnership's research will take place at both institutions. The collaborative research that will be undertaken by teams made up of scientists, researchers, and clinicians from both institutions is the real embodiment of the partnership. That said, the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics continues to assess ways to accommodate laboratory and other space needs on the Mayo Clinic campus in Rochester.

What has been the state's role?

Governor Pawlenty and other state leaders have encouraged Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota to collaborate on important medical research that would yield benefits for the state. In addition, the State of Minnesota has provided initial seed money through the 2003 Legislature to leverage Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota's strengths in a powerful new research collaborative. Public investment is critical to the ongoing success for the partnership and Minnesota. Government, state and municipal, also has the tools to promote a business environment that will foster the development of new businesses, e.g. biotechnology parks and tax free zones, tools the Governor and Legislature have already provided.

Isn't Minnesota already behind in the biotechnology and medical genomics race?

No. Both the University and Mayo Clinic have made critical investments over the last several years that position Minnesota at a platform far above the investments made in other states. Combined, they have invested nearly half a billion dollars in infrastructure, equipment, research databases, and most importantly, top faculty. That said, state investment is indeed lagging behind other states that are planning and financing the development of bioscience programs. We are at a critical juncture in which there is a window of opportunity for us to stake our claim in this industry.