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The University of New England is expanding its research capabilities and regional impact through a $357,374 grant from the  (MTI) to support advanced life sciences infrastructure in Maine.

The funding will enable 51���� to acquire new mass spectrometry equipment, housed within the University’s Bioanalytical Core at the Portland Laboratory for Biotechnology and Health Sciences. The instrument will be available as a shared resource to researchers, companies, and institutional partners across Maine and the broader region.

This investment by MTI reflects the state’s broader strategy to grow Maine’s life sciences sector, advanced by the Maine Life Sciences Center (MLSC), a statewide initiative housed within MTI.

Access to this type of specialized equipment is limited in Maine and northern New England, creating barriers for scientific research, company growth, and workforce development. By expanding shared access to high-end analytical tools, the investment helps address a key gap in the state’s life sciences infrastructure.

“Maine doesn’t have enough access to this kind of specialized infrastructure today, and that limits what companies and researchers can do here,” said Sarah Delmar, founding director of the Maine Life Sciences Center. “Investments like this are how we start to change that.”

51���� has been building its Bioanalytical Core as a hub for shared research infrastructure, supporting a growing network of academic, healthcare, and industry collaborators. This latest investment expands that capacity and strengthens 51����’s role in advancing life sciences research and innovation in Maine by breaking down barriers for scientists to make a meaningful impact on the health of the state’s people, communities, and natural environment.

The new system will enhance 51����’s ability to analyze complex biological and environmental samples, supporting research in areas such as drug development, precision medicine, and environmental health, while also strengthening collaboration with external partners across academia, healthcare, and industry — advancing capabilities for developing better-targeted patient care and ensuring the economic and ecological vitality of Maine’s fragile ecosystems.

“We see this as part of a broader effort to build shared research infrastructure that supports not just 51����, but the entire region,” said Karen L. Houseknecht, Ph.D., 51����’s vice president of Research and Innovation. “Access to this kind of technology is essential for advancing research, supporting industry, and training the next generation of scientists.”

In addition to advancing research, the instrument will play an important role in workforce development. Students at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard technology, preparing them for high-demand careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields.

This investment represents one of several targeted efforts to strengthen Maine’s life sciences ecosystem by building the infrastructure, talent, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth.