San Jacinto College and McCord Development Partner with NIBRT

San Jacinto College (San Jac) and McCord Development have signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Ireland for San Jacinto College to finalize definitive agreements to be the exclusive provider of NIBRT-licensed training programs in the southwestern and southeastern United States.
 
The planned San Jacinto College Biotechnology Center, located in Generation Park, will train the captive local workforce and attract industry from across the country, helping to solidify Houston’s role as a leading hub for life science manufacturing. Subject to definitive agreements based on industry feedback, San Jacinto College will be NIBRT’s sixth global partner and second in the United States.
 
The Center will offer students hands-on experience in a pilot-scale bioprocessing center that includes upstream, downstream, and fill-finish facilities, as well as specific curriculum in cell and gene therapy and other innovative and developing industry sectors. With this practical experience, students will have immediately transferable skills on cutting edge equipment used in today’s most advanced biomanufacturing operations.
 
“Building on San Jacinto College’s established track record of working with industry to develop need-specific training and accreditation centers, the partnership with NIBRT represents an opportunity to train the workforce that Houston’s biopharma industry needs to sustain its rapid growth,” said Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor of San Jacinto College. “We also expect to contribute to the global market by training people eager to enter this growing industry from around the United States and beyond.”
 
The San Jac Biotechnology Center at Generation Park will not only include curriculum but will ultimately be housed within a multifunctional facility equipped with cutting edge industrial bioprocessing equipment. The Center’s activities will be guided by an advisory committee comprised of experts from Houston’s leading life science institutions and industry partners.
 
San Jac and NIBRT have undertaken a comprehensive stakeholder engagement effort to ascertain the current industry and institutional needs for life science workforce training. Findings from the study will shape the curriculum and the initial sizing of the facility to house the hands-on component of the training. NIBRT’s existing facilities include a bioprocessing pilot plant, operated in a realistic good manufacturing practice (GMP) simulated and operational manufacturing environment. This combination of world-class facilities and leadership will provide students at the Center with an ideal learning environment.
 
“We are thrilled to be in advanced discussions with San Jacinto College and McCord Development to bring our world-class training curriculum to Houston,” said Darrin Morrissey, NIBRT’s CEO. “Their commitment to excellence, combined with our industry leading curriculum and talented student population, ensures the proposed center’s success.”