The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust (PRSTRT), in collaboration with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), reminds STEM students interested in biomanufacturing careers that the deadline to apply for the NIIMBL eXperience @ PRSTRT program is February 7, 2025.

This exclusive, fully-funded program, designed for first- and second-year STEM students, offers a unique one-week experience during the summer of 2025. Participants will immerse themselves in cutting-edge biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes while discovering why Puerto Rico is a global leader in the industry.

What does the program offer?

· Hands-on training: Laboratory exercises focused on key biomanufacturing processes, such as cell culture and protein purification.

· Industry visits: Tours of leading biopharmaceutical companies, including Amgen, Lilly, Sartorius, and Becton Dickinson.

· Professional development: Workshops on resume building, networking, and career preparation in STEM fields.

· Mentorship and networking: Interaction with experienced industry professionals and career advisors.

· Financial benefits: Full coverage of travel, accommodation, and meals, plus a $1,000 stipend upon program completion.

“Puerto Rico is not only a global leader in biomanufacturing but also a vibrant environment where students can gain hands-on experience and build professional networks. This program serves as a springboard to meaningful careers in STEM within a rapidly growing industry,” said Dr. Marcos López Casilla, Director of the Research Institute at PRSTRT.

Who is eligible to participate? The program is designed for students from universities and community colleges who have completed 60 credits or less, with a particular focus on historically underrepresented backgrounds, such as African Americans, Latinos, and Indigenous communities.

How to apply For more information and to complete the application, visit the official program website at NIIMBL eXperience. Applications are open until February 7, 2025. For inquiries, you can email [email protected].

This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is one of seven regional sessions selected for 2025, further solidifying Puerto Rico’s role as a key hub for biomanufacturing training.

About the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust:

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, as described in Public Law 214, is a private nonprofit organization established in 2004 to promote the Island’s participation and job creation in the global knowledge economy by promoting investments and financing for research and development in science and technology. It invests, facilitates, and develops capacities that continually advance Puerto Rico’s economy and the well-being of its citizens through research and development-based enterprises, science and technology, public health, and innovation, aiming for Puerto Rico to be a globally recognized center of innovation. For more information: www.prsciencetrust.org.

About NIIMBL: The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is a public-private partnership whose mission is to accelerate biopharmaceutical innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce, fundamentally advancing U.S. competitiveness in this industry.