To request an opportunity to speak at the May 7, 2009, meeting, please complete the REQUEST Form.

Special Committee Created to Study UMBI

In March 2009, Clifford Kendall, chairman of the University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents, appointed a special committee of regents to review the mission and organization of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute (UMBI). UMBI is one of USM's 13 institutions.

Given USM's critical role in advancing state priorities, Kendall has charged the group with developing recommendations for maximizing the return on the state's investment in UMBI and its component centers.

Jennie C. Hunter-Cevera has announced her decision to step down from the UMBI presidency June 30, 2009. This period of transition offers an opportunity to carefully study the advantages of UMBI's current structure, as well as consider alternative organizational options, including distribution of the UMBI centers to other USM institutions.

UMBI was established in 1985. Its mission is to conduct groundbreaking research in key areas of biotechnology, generate innovative solutions to practical problems, and develop new technologies for commercial application. The institute has four research centers: two in Baltimore and one each in Rockville and College Park.

The Board of Regents is interested in hearing from the public suggestions regarding the mission and structure of UMBI, and how the state's investment in UMBI can be most effectively used.  Anyone with comments or recommendations is urged to submit them to UMBI-Review@usmd.edu

Visit the UMBI webpage.