By Lindley Lund
K-State News and Communications Services
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announced on Monday a $7 million federal investment to support the university's Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative, a comprehensive program designed to position Kansas as a national leader in biomanufacturing and biosecurity.
The funding will be directed toward the construction of the new Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, which will accelerate the university's ability to lead cutting-edge research and workforce development in the expanding field of biomanufacturing. K-State's innovative ecosystem fosters collaboration between academia, industry and research to make significant strides in animal health, food security and public safety. Through the initiative, the university is establishing itself as a hub for industry partnerships and workforce development, which are critical to solving challenges in both human and animal health.
"As Kansas continues to grow its animal health corridor, Kansas State University is uniquely equipped to train the workforce needed for this industry," Moran said. "I worked to secure federal resources to bolster K-State's efforts to build Manhattan into a premier location for biotechnology and biodefense companies looking to expand."
The Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility is one of four state-of-the-art facilities integral to the initiative. It will advance vaccine production by adhering to the highest safety standards set by regulatory agencies while producing critical biologics to combat zoonotic diseases and other health threats. It will also provide hands-on training for the next generation of biosecurity researchers to ensure that Kansas remains at the forefront of biomanufacturing expertise. As K-State leads advancements in biomanufacturing, it is also strengthening the state's economy by attracting jobs and top-tier industry partners to Kansas. This initiative enhances both the agricultural and public health sectors.
"We are incredibly grateful to Senator Moran for supporting us to receive this federal funding. With it, K-State is positioned to have a lasting impact on both the health of Kansans and the health of the economy," President Richard Linton said. "Our work in biomanufacturing not only addresses current health challenges but will also pave the way for future innovation as the next-generation land-grant university."
Along with the Biomanufacturing Core and Training Facility, the initiative features three additional cutting-edge facilities that will help K-State tackle critical public health issues:• Biosecurity Research Institute Biologics Development Module — Focusing on zoonotic and foreign animal diseases, this facility develops diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics to safeguard food security and public health.• College of Veterinary Medicine Biologics Development Module — Specializing in large-scale biologics production, this facility enhances vaccine efficacy through advanced protein purification techniques, ensuring that life-saving biologics can be produced efficiently.• Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center — Currently under construction in Seaton Hall, this center will provide students with hands-on biomanufacturing experience, creating a highly skilled talent pipeline that supports the state's growing biomanufacturing industry.