Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced in 2003 details of a joint agreement between Mayo Clinic Rochester and the University of Minnesota to implement a multi-year research partnership. The private-public partnership is expected to yield major new scientific discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of human disease, result in improved technologies for food and agriculture research, and position Minnesota as a leader in biotechnology and genomics.

In 2005, Mayo Clinic formalized its association with the University of Minnesota in order to move forward together in medical genomics and biotechnology. Known as the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Genomics (opens in new window), it is an economic development initiative that leverages the state's two strongest health research leaders.

The two institutions together manage more than $700 million in major research and already have invested more than a half- billion dollars in their respective medical genomics and biotechnology programs. The alliance will create: scientific advances, major improvements in health care, and a stronger economy for the state. Mayo scientists have the opportunity to partner with their counterparts at the University of Minnesota, opening up new vistas for research and improved patient care.