Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Forms Academic Partnership with Georgia Southern University in the United States

In January 2026, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc. (based in Columbia, Maryland; hereinafter SSI), which oversees Shimadzu’s measurement business in the United States, established an academic partnership with Georgia Southern University . As part of the SPARQ program (Shimadzu Partnership for Academics, Research, and Quality of Life) being promoted by SSI, this will establish a long-term partnership with an academic institute within the United States, supporting research and learning by students.

Signatories to this academic partnership, Dr. Kyle Marrero (front left), President at Georgia Southern University, and Patrick Fromal (front right), President of SSI

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southern University is a comprehensive university situated in southeastern Georgia in the United States. Founded in 1906, it provides approximately 150 degree programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral programs at three sites: the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus, and the Liberty Campus. From January of this year, the East Georgia Campus has also been added, and collectively, approximately 29,000 students are engaged in studies in education, business, nursing, engineering, and related fields. The university is also putting its efforts into online education, where students from around the world take degree programs in a diverse range of fields.

At present, the university is classified as Research 2: High Research Spending and Doctorate Production (R2) in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which classifies U.S. higher education institutions based on research activities and educational characteristics as determined by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and is also highly regarded as a university conducting cutting-edge research.

SPARQ Program

For many years, SSI has taken initiatives to support research aimed at universities and research institutes in the United States, and to support the training of next-generation scientists. In the SPARQ Program, which is one aspect of these efforts, SSI concludes individual long-term partnership agreements tailored to the objectives of each institution and promotes collaboration in areas that are mutually beneficial to both parties. At the relevant institutions, multiple Shimadzu products are introduced, and SSI provides maintenance and research support to help strengthen cutting-edge research and students’ practical learning.

In this agreement with Georgia Southern University, in addition to the College of Science and Mathematics and the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics, cutting-edge analytical instruments are being provided to specialized research sites such as the Institute for Coastal Plain Science and the Institute for Water and Health. In this way, SSI is supporting research related primarily to environmental science, life science, materials science, and water quality. Along with the provision of instruments and other in-kind support, SSI will also provide multi-year maintenance service plans, specialized training, and information exchange. The strengthening of the research infrastructure and the promotion of cutting-edge research exchanges through this agreement are also expected to support efforts toward R1 designation under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

After signing the partnership agreement, a tour was held at the lab where the Shimadzu instruments were installed. The participants listened enthusiastically to explanations provided by the university staff.

Tour of the laboratory

Comment by Dr. David C. Weindorf, Vice President for Research & Economic Development, Georgia Southern University

Comment by Patrick G. Fromal, President of SSI

Going forward, we will participate as co-sponsors in open house events and science seminars, and will also jointly take part in international events such as forensic science symposiums. SSI and Shimadzu Corporation will continue to respond to the needs of researchers and customers throughout the world, developing products and providing academic support in order to promote cutting-edge research.