Events & Resources

Advancing Animal Health & Nutrition | Unlocking Innovation Through Industry-Academic Partnerships with NC State

UIDP hosted an informative webinar about the Animal Health & Nutrition Consortium (AHNC) where participants learned more about innovation research in animal health, collaboration and partnership opportunities, success stories and funding impact. This informational webinar was open to UIDP university member and non-member representatives.

Originally aired: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

AHNC Report Out Panel: Pathways to Future Research in a Changing Landscape

A recent panel brought together leaders from science advocacy, state biotechnology investment, and government partnerships to discuss how changes in federal science funding are affecting research, innovation, and the broader scientific workforce. Despite differences in background, the panelists emphasized the need for stronger advocacy, better public communication, and deeper partnerships to maintain U.S. leadership in science and technology.

Originally presented at: North Carolina Biotechnology Center, April 15, 2025

Key Takeaways

1. Federal Instability Presents Both Risk and Opportunity
   Panelists described the current federal funding environment as chaotic and uncertain. This makes long-term planning difficult for researchers and startups. However, it also opens the door for new partnerships and more strategic engagement—especially at the state and local level.
2. Advocacy and Public Engagement Are Essential
   Scientists and engineers must do more to share their work with policymakers and the public. Many decision-makers don’t fully understand the value of science. Panelists encouraged STEM professionals to join scientific societies, stay updated on policy, and get involved in advocacy efforts—individually or through coalitions.
3. Cross-Sector Partnerships Can Fill the Gap
   With federal instability, partnerships among universities, state governments, philanthropic groups, and industry are more important than ever. These collaborations can sustain progress in science and help apply research to real-world challenges.
4. Reforming STEM Training and Incentives
   Many researchers want to engage with the public or policymakers but lack training or institutional support. Panelists urged universities to reward public engagement and translational research when considering promotions and funding. Programs that combine science with business or policy skills were highlighted as effective models.
5. Building a Stronger Local Innovation Ecosystem
   The Boston-Cambridge area was cited as a leading example of how proximity and a strong entrepreneurial culture support rapid innovation. Panelists suggested that universities like NC State could replicate this by intentionally connecting researchers with industry and investors, and by supporting student entrepreneurship and applied research.
6. Support for Basic Research Must Be Strengthened
   There’s a funding gap between early research discoveries and commercial applications. While programs like SBIR and NCBiotech help, more public-private investment is needed, including in areas like animal health and environmental science, which often get less federal attention.
7. The Role of Industry in Supporting Science
   Even small gestures from industry—such as letters of support or minor funding contributions—can boost the credibility of grant proposals. Streamlining how industry partners provide support could improve collaboration and funding success.
8. Future Impact Will Depend on Relevance and Communication
   Emerging tools like artificial intelligence and data science will shape future research, but their success depends on public trust and understanding. Researchers should userelatable stories (like animal health) to show how science improves lives and communities.