Georgia Southern University and Shimadzu Scientific Instruments launch strategic research and education partnership

Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero and Shimadzu President Patrick Fromal sign a memorandum of understanding surrounded by colleagues.
Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero and Shimadzu President Patrick Fromal sign a memorandum of understanding surrounded by University and Shimadzu leaders.

Georgia Southern University has entered into an impactful collaboration with Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc., a leading provider of analytical instrumentation, through the Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life (SPARQ) program. Representatives from Georgia Southern University and Shimadzu announced the partnership after signing the official agreement this week. This strategic partnership will significantly expand the University’s research capacity, promote cutting-edge scientific exchange, enhance hands-on student learning, and help advance Georgia Southern’s pursuit of Carnegie R1 research classification.

Under the agreement, Shimadzu will provide state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation, in-kind financial support, multi-year service plans, and specialized training and information exchange to support research in environmental science, biomedical science, materials science, and water quality. These instruments are among the highest specifications in their class and will be housed across Georgia Southern’s advanced research facilities, including within the College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics, the Institute for Coastal Plain Science, and the Institute for Water and Health. 

Georgia Southern and Shimadzu leaders tour a campus laboratory.
Georgia Southern and Shimadzu leaders tour a campus laboratory.

“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.”

In addition to equipment and technical support, Shimadzu will co-sponsor open house events, scientific seminars and symposia- including a Forensic Science Symposium held last September, and student engagement opportunities, including a Summer Research Candidate and Shimadzu Distinguished Professorial Endowment. Faculty and students will also benefit from priority access to emerging technologies and the chance to be among the first in the nation to publish findings using Shimadzu’s latest equipment innovations.

“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, 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 partnership reflects Georgia Southern’s commitment to expanding its research infrastructure, deepening industry collaborations, securing external private funding, and fostering innovation and student experiential learning. Along with Shimadzu, this partnership was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Georgia Southern’s College of Science and Mathematics, Office of Research and Economic Development, and Office of Business Engagement.

About Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 public university with more than 29,000 students, offers over 140 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. With campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, and Hinesville, Georgia Southern serves as a catalyst for regional growth while preparing students to lead globally.

About Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) is the North American subsidiary of Shimadzu Corporation’s Analytical and Measuring Division. Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, SSI offers a comprehensive portfolio of analytical and testing solutions for a broad range of applications in science and industry. Through its SPARQ program, SSI partners with academic institutions to enhance research capacity, foster scientific discovery, and educate the next generation of scientists.