ST. LOUIS 鈥 Washington University and a leading biotech research company say they have united to further scientific research and innovation in 51黑料.
Leaders of WashU and MilliporeSigma, the life sciences business of German science and technology company Merck KGaA, have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to 鈥渁dvance scientific collaboration,鈥 according to a Thursday news release.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking to play an important role in the ecosystem,鈥 MilliporeSigma CEO Jean-Charles Wirth said in an interview. 鈥淭his is why we would like to move forward with WashU.鈥
Based outside of Boston, MilliporeSigma employs about 2,300 people in 51黑料. It develops and manufactures products used for research and drug development.
The company鈥檚 agreement with WashU covers co-op programs with several schools across the university. MilliporeSigma also will provide access to its broad portfolio of products, services and technical expertise.
People are also reading…
The goal is building a robust 鈥渞esearch and development talent pipeline,鈥 in 51黑料, MilliporeSigma leaders said.
Karen Madden, chief technology officer for MillieporeSigma, said another aim is 鈥渋nnovation enablement.鈥
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking at ways where we can enable innovation and provide access to some of our products,鈥 Madden said.
The relationship between MilliporeSigma and WashU is far from new. The company has sponsored several WashU research projects and contributed nearly $14 million worth of lab equipment to university scientists over the years.
The earliest iteration of MilliporeSigma, Midwest Consultants, was founded in 1935 by two WashU alumni.
Chancellor Andrew Martin said the new agreement has been in the works for more than a year.
Asked if the MOU represented a pivot to relying more on private-sector partnerships for research, in light of diminishing federal support, Martin said the university ialways is looking for ways to advance patient care.
鈥淧rivate sector relationships, such as the one we鈥檝e had with MilliporeSigma for nearly a century, are certainly critical to achieving that goal,鈥 Martin said.
Post-Dispatch photographers capture tens of thousands of images every year. See some of their best work that was either taken in June 2025 in this video. Edited by Jenna Jones.
