Webinars

Partnerships in Practice: The HBCU Initiative Webinar Series shines a spotlight on the power of collaboration by showcasing innovative, high-impact joint efforts between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a range of cross-sector partners—from industry, universities, and government to private funders and nonprofit organizations. These dynamic sessions foster shared learning and reflect the broader goals of supporting and improving collaborations to build research capacity and programmatic capabilities through UIDP’s HBCU Initiative.

Launched in anticipation of HBCU Engage 2026, this series aims to spark new ideas, foster meaningful dialogue, and strengthen collaboration between HBCUs and partners across sectors, advancing impactful research and shared innovation goals. Each webinar features a distinct partnership model, offering practical insights and real-world examples of effective engagement in action. The webinar series is open to UIDP member and nonmember representatives.

UIDP hosted part three of the webinar series on October 7. North Carolina A&T State University and Merck are charting a new path for biotechnology workforce development through the launch of the Merck Biotechnology Learning Center. Located at Gateway Research Park in Greensboro, this first-of-its-kind collaboration provides students with access to industry-grade training, real-world lab experiences, and career pathways that directly connect academic excellence with the needs of a rapidly growing biopharma sector.

This webinar explored how Merck and NC A&T are building a model for innovation—one that prepares students for high-impact careers in biotechnology while strengthening the regional talent pipeline. Speakers shared how industry-academic collaboration is expanding hands-on learning, advancing STEM, and positioning North Carolina as an innovation hub for biopharmaceutical leadership.

Agenda Highlights:
Background of the partnership that contributed to the development of the Merck Biotechnology Learning Center
Key takeaways, including best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for engagement
Broader reflections on how this type of model can be adapted or replicated

Originally aired,
Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Speakers

Yuen Avent, Academic Strategic Alliances, Merck
Chase Barnhill, Associate Director, Workforce Development, NCBiotech
Allyson Cobb, Director, External Partnerships, NC A&T State University
Jennifer Bell (Moderator), Director of Educational Partnerships, SAS