STARKVILLE, Miss., July 23 – Two new projects to enhance research infrastructure and investment across Mississippi were announced at the third annual Mississippi IDeA/EPSCoR Conference 2024 (MIEC24). The conference, co-hosted by the Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (Mississippi INBRE) and the Mississippi Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Mississippi EPSCoR), took place at the Mill on Mississippi State University’s (MSU) Starkville campus on Tuesday, July 23. The projects include the Nano-Bio ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC), a $7 million initiative to advance biomaterials engineering research, and the Mississippi Research Alliance (MRA), which aims to foster collaboration and strengthen infrastructure in science and technology across Mississippi.

Over 300 faculty, staff, and students from across Mississippi participated in the conference, which featured over 150 presentations in biomedical science, data science, engineering, and public health research. Faculty and students associated with Mississippi INBRE were among those who presented and attended.

Dr. Adam Smith announces the launch of the NIEC.

Dr. Adam E. Smith, Associate Professor of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), announced the launch of the Nano-Bio ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC). Funded by a $7 million NSF grant, the NIEC will increase biomaterials engineering research at seven Mississippi institutions over the next four years. Biomaterials engineering involves the use of natural or synthetic materials for clinical applications, such as next-generation implants and drug delivery technology. Dr. Smith is the Principal Investigator of the program, based at Ole Miss. The program will launch on August 1.

Dr. Katie Echols, Director of Mississippi EPSCoR and Executive Director of Research Initiatives and Innovations at MSU, revealed the formation of the Mississippi Research Alliance (MRA). Led by MSU, the MRA will create partnerships among in-state research programs to strengthen infrastructure, foster collaboration, and coordinate new investments in science and technology across Mississippi.

“MIEC24 brought researchers together from across the state to showcase the impact of capacity-building programs,” said Dr. Alex Flynt, Director of Mississippi INBRE, “Through public-private partnerships made possible by IDeA and EPSCoR programs, I am excited for the potential to develop a knowledge-based economy in Mississippi, bringing economic prosperity to our citizens.”

Dr. Ashli Brown speaks in the opening session at MIEC24.

The launch of the NIEC and MRA will increase research, education, and workforce development at academic institutions across Mississippi, elevating the state’s position in the science and technology industry and offering hope for new breakthroughs in medical science.

See photos from the conference.

Download the conference program. 

 

 

Congratulations to all who placed in the poster competition:

First Place

Elizabeth Hawkins, Millsaps College

Second Place

Dori Harcharik, USM

Third Place

Sydney Davis, MSU

Fourth Place

Leo Mei, Princeton University

Honorable Mention

Abigail Moeller, Ole Miss