CSL Behring, a global biomedical company and industry partner of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, recently donated 750 safety goggles to the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory organized the donation, which will be kept on-site for staff and student interns engaged in projects requiring protective eyewear. 

“CSL is committed to supporting our community, and we are honored to support the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in contributing to the safety of the students working in their labs. CSL is very proud of our science and innovation pillars and recognizes the importance of investing in our future scientists’ and engineers’ development in academia,” said Abner Garcia-Delgado, CSL Vice President of Manufacturing and Kankakee Site Head.

“It was a great opportunity to visit the university,” noted Glynda Harrington, Director EHS for CSL Behring, “I hope because the safety goggles are fogless, the students and staff will wear them, thus strengthening the safety culture. It will also prepare them for safety requirements in industry.”

Working with industry partners like CSL Behring enables ACES to maintain its commitment to safety, said Marissa Nyland, IBRL’s assistant director of operations and safety. IBRL differs from traditional research labs with its pilot-scale facilities for precision fermentation and other applications — which means more powerful utilities and large quantities of chemicals, making safety equipment even more crucial.

“It's really important for us to be able to advocate for the safety culture that goes along with working in environments like these. In-kind donations from industry partners who understand the benefit of a strong safety culture help our students get ready for the industry; now they know what to expect,” Nyland said.

Extra goggles will be distributed by IBRL across campus for a variety of outreach programs and activities.

“These donations will be going to the Department of Chemistry’s joint safety team, a group of graduate students and postdocs that advocate for lab safety,” Nyland said. “We’re also sending lots of goggles to the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, the Women’s Chemistry Committee, and various summer camps, such as our ACES Family Academies program.”

With the help of generous donations from industry partners, ACES can prioritize research opportunities and educational initiatives for students. For companies interested in giving back to ACES, please visit the corporate partners webpage for more information or fill out the ACES Corporate Partnership Opportunities interest form. Individuals can explore opportunities to support these efforts by contacting the Office of Advancement at acesadvancement@illinois.edu or 217-333-9355.