Abbott opens new R&D center at U of I

CHAMPAIGN -- Abbott Laboratories has opened its Abbott Nutrition facility at the Research Park on the University of Illinois campus.

Abbott will use the facility to research and develop products for infants through adults. The company initially will collaborate with faculty and students in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. The company is beginning with 11 student interns and full-time management.

"Abbott is pleased to join the Research Park community," said Robert H. Miller, divisional vice president, Nutrition Research & Development and Scientific Affairs, Abbott Nutrition. "A fundamental necessity of our business is to ensure continuous innovation, and we look forward to forging a relationship with UIUC and the Division of Nutritional Sciences, as well as other university Schools and Colleges."

The company said Abbott has a long history of collaboration with the University of Illinois in the sciences, in engineering, in business and in nutrition. Nearly 1,000 Illinois graduates currently work for Abbott.

"We are very pleased to welcome Abbott into our Research Park," Steve Sonka, Illinois vice chancellor for public engagement, said. "Abbott has been a valued partner of the university, and we look forward to expanded engagements through new on-site collaborations with Abbott."