Georgia Southern University has announced a new partnership with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc., a provider of analytical instrumentation. The agreement, signed this week, is part of the Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life (SPARQ) program.
The collaboration aims to expand Georgia Southern’s research capabilities and support its efforts toward achieving Carnegie R1 research classification. Under the terms of the agreement, Shimadzu will supply advanced scientific instruments, in-kind financial contributions, multi-year service plans, and specialized training to support research in fields such as environmental science, biomedical science, materials science, and water quality. These resources will be distributed across several university facilities including the College of Science and Mathematics; Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics; Institute for Coastal Plain Science; and Institute for Water and Health.
“This partnership provides our faculty and students with access to world-class technology and training, accelerating innovation and discovery across multiple disciplines,” said David Weindorf, Ph.D., Georgia Southern’s vice president for Research and Economic Development. “Shimadzu’s commitment to education, experiential learning, and research will help us address some of today’s most pressing scientific challenges while preparing the next generation of leaders in science.”
Beyond equipment provision and technical support, Shimadzu will also co-sponsor events such as open houses and scientific seminars. This includes symposia like last September’s Forensic Science Symposium. The partnership offers student engagement opportunities through initiatives like a Summer Research Candidate program and a Distinguished Professorial Endowment funded by Shimadzu. Faculty members and students are expected to benefit from early access to new technologies developed by Shimadzu.
“Georgia Southern is doing remarkable work in applied research and their commitment to preparing tomorrow’s leaders today is best in class. We’re proud to support their vision and join them on this journey of scientific and academic progress,” said Patrick Fromal, President of Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. “By combining our technology with the expertise of their faculty and the energy of their students, we’re building a foundation for impactful discoveries that improve quality of life.”
The initiative demonstrates Georgia Southern University’s focus on expanding its research infrastructure through industry partnerships while seeking external funding sources.
Georgia Southern University serves more than 29,000 students across campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville. It offers over 140 degree programs at undergraduate through doctoral levels.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments is based in Columbia, Maryland as part of Shimadzu Corporation’s Analytical and Measuring Division. Through SPARQ partnerships with academic institutions like Georgia Southern University it aims to foster scientific discovery by enhancing institutional research capacity.
