Includes Prestigious Shimadzu SPARQ Partnership, Full-Suite Science Lab Equipment
Walsh University has announced that it will transform its science division through a new partnership with Shimadzu, a multinational leader in the manufacturing of scientific equipment. Shimadzu has invited Walsh to join its SPARQ program (Shimadzu Program for Academics, Research and Quality of Life), an exclusive, invitation-only opportunity to which few schools in the United States are granted access.
This spring, Walsh will upgrade its science lab equipment with an entire suite of Shimadzu’s newest, state-of-the-art analytical equipment manufactured at Shimadzu’s U.S. location and valued at more than a million dollars, giving the University the same or better equipment found in some of the top universities and science labs in the country.
Watch Ohio News coverage of the partnership from Spectrum News 1
Through SPARQ, Walsh faculty, staff and students will have unlimited access to consult with the company’s scientists and industry experts on projects for the life of the partnership. Additionally, Walsh science students will benefit with global learning opportunities, domestic/international internships and innovation/entrepreneurial experiences involving the use of the Shimadzu equipment.
“This partnership with Shimadzu reflects a joint commitment to world-class education and research for our students and faculty. This unique opportunity was made possible with support from Shimadzu, the Stark Community Foundation, Timken Foundation of Canton, Silk Foundation, alumni and University friends from across the country. Together, we will transform the sciences at Walsh University and offer tremendous value to the business and scientific communities locally, regionally and nationally,” said Walsh President Dr. Tim Collins. “This hands-on project is another step on our journey to becoming a distinctive Catholic university of national prominence and we thank Shimadzu for this unbelievably awesome opportunity … they rock!”
The SPARQ program is a partnership designed to build a bridge between academic research, analytical instruments and applications development. SPARQ is a selective process where applications are evaluated based on the scope, mission, and focus of research, effect on the academic institution, and the community it serves.
“We are very excited to partner with Walsh University to elevate their newly developed Chemistry curriculum with state-of-the-art instrumentation facilities and by furthering their reputation as the premier university for STEM outreach programs,” said Shimadzu Vice President of Sales Patrick Fromal.
Shimadzu selected Walsh as an award recipient because of the University’s proven track record of outstanding science student preparation, potential for tremendous growth and commitment to mission.
“Walsh University has been honored as a College of Distinction for nine consecutive years and their mission of leadership through service to others as well as their commitment to improving our environment is in excellent alignment with Shimadzu’s corporate mission of contributing to the environmental health of our planet and mankind through science and technology” said Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc., President Katsuaki Kaito.
The partnership will include extended equipment warranties, preventive maintenance packages, unlimited consultation with Shimadzu scientists, national/international internship opportunities for students and networking exposure with top industry researchers and scientists. Walsh will also serve as Shimadzu’s Ohio base to highlight equipment to potential customers.
"During the past 15 years, Walsh University has invested significantly, with the help of donors and community partners, in our science infrastructure to provide students and faculty with state-of-the-art laboratories for education and research,” said Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Michael Dunphy. “The SPARQ grant/partnership with Shimadzu will provide our students and faculty access to world-class analytical equipment, strategic collaborations with companies and researchers nationwide and the opportunity to leverage Shimadzu's expertise in method development and cutting-edge research."
Regional Impact of Partnership
In addition to preparing a highly trained scientific workforce for Stark County, Walsh will seek to develop partnerships with local, regional and national industries, granting institutions and individual donors to support research and teaching. This initiative will also substantially enhance Walsh’s ability to serve as a community resource. The new equipment will enable Walsh faculty and students to work collaboratively with local companies and organizations to provide analytical services, research partnerships and methods development in areas like environmental chemistry, materials testing, pharmaceutical analysis, hops analysis and many other areas related to quality control and product analysis. Walsh also intends to develop and offer certificates of proficiency to laboratory professionals who want to upgrade specific instrument skills or a suite of analytical capabilities.
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is the American subsidiary of Shimadzu Corporation, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. All U.S. equipment is manufactured through a facility in the State of Washington. Founded in 1875, Shimadzu is a $3 billion multinational corporation with three major divisions: Medical Diagnostics, Aerospace/Industrial, and Analytical Instruments. Shimadzu provides a broad range of analytical instruments indispensable for research, development, and quality control in a variety of fields. In 1975, SSI corporate headquarters were established in Columbia, Maryland, to provide analytical solutions to a wide range of laboratories in North, Central, and parts of South America. In the U.S., SSI has a network of more than 50 locations providing local and regional sales, service, and technical support. In addition, Shimadzu actively pursues joint research opportunities with universities, large corporations like Bristol Myers Squibb, and government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
