The Botanical Research Institute of Texas and UNT Health Science Center have entered into an agreement to collaborate on research, educational activities and community programs.
The memorandum of understanding is a great opportunity that benefits both institutions, said Ed Schneider, BRIT’s president and executive director.
With more than 1.5 million species of plants, endless volumes of books and a large collection of illustrations, BRIT provides a rare opportunity for UNTHSC’s medical and pharmaceutical students, Schneider said.
Both institutions are expected to benefit from sharing research as well as having access to lab space, facilities and scientific equipment, said Robert McClain, PhD., associate vice president for Research & Innovation at UNTHSC. The agreement also is expected to strengthen both institutions’ research funding opportunities.
“It’s an opportunity to put our scientists together in pursuing research funding,” McClain said. “Together we can create grant proposals that will be very strong and more competitive.”
Plans are for representatives from BRIT and UNTHSC to meet throughout the year to formulate opportunities to collaborate on various projects. One project calls for an annual lecture that will be given by a noted scientist and focus on plants that are important to pharmacology.
“Partnerships like the one we are creating with UNTHSC are essential as BRIT grows into its full potential as an international botanical research and education center,” Schneider said. “This agreement is a great opportunity for collaboration.”
BRIT has recently come to educational and research agreements with UTA, TCU, and Tarleton State University.