The Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University-Pueblo has formed a new relationship with an international foundation that aims to promote bioventure companies.

Officials at the institute last week signed a memorandum of understanding — also known as MOU — with the Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation.

“We are excited to enter into this MOU with the Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation to facilitate collaboration on research topics of mutual interest and benefit,” said Chad Kinney, director of the institute.

“Furthermore, we are pleased to host the delegations from the Chuncheon Bioindustry Foundation and Chuncheon City and to introduce them to the ICR, Colorado State University-Pueblo, and the Pueblo area.”

The signing of the MOU came a few days after the approval of the first bachelor of science degree of its kind in the state in cannabis biology and chemistry to be offered at CSU-Pueblo.

This is recognition of the importance of institution of higher education’s role in promoting international collaboration and increased contribution to social development.

“As the ICR has matured over the past few years so have the activities and collaborations that we have engaged in including the development of domestic and international partnerships,” Kinney said.

This partnership is a result of the cultivation of relationships by Kinney and Sang-Hyuck Park, ICR senior scientist and research liaison. In fall 2019 Kinney and Park traveled to Seoul, South Korea to speak at the International Symposium on Advanced Materials and Application iSAMA 2019 Conference.

This allowed Kinney and Park to engage in discussions with conference organizers and participants about research and potential research projects.

“This MOU signifies the growing recognition of the ICR under the leadership of Dr. Kinney and the support of the ICR governing board,” said Mohamed Abdelrahman, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs for CSU-Pueblo.

“It also reflects the successful efforts of the ICR staff and CSU-Pueblo faculty in building collaborations at all levels in cannabis research and education.”

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