The Catherine and Don Kleinmuntz Center for Genomics in Business and Society serves as a platform for enhancing and accelerating the broader impact of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology’s (IGB’s) research and innovation, building on IGB’s innovative genomics research by enhancing its global influence. As part of the IGB, the Kleinmuntz Center will provide unique opportunities for economic development, public engagement, and social impact and bring increased opportunity and support to IGB scientists.
Drs. Catherine and Don Kleinmuntz
Co-founders of Strata Decision Technology
Drs. Catherine and Don Kleinmuntz are the co-founders of Strata Decision Technology, a healthcare analytics software company that was an early tenant of the University of Illinois Research Park. They were introduced to the IGB when Catherine Kleinmuntz was invited to speak as a distinguished guest speaker, given her expertise and experience in entrepreneurship and start-up businesses, which inspired the idea behind the Catherine and Don Kleinmuntz Center for Genomics in Business and Society. During this visit, what stood out were IGB’s research and interdisciplinary, team-based approach to solving grand societal challenges, as well as IGB’s “immense potential” to impact society with its scientific advances.
“Great scientific discoveries do not simply leap out of the laboratory and into the real world,” Don said. “We see an opportunity to encourage and facilitate the process of translating great science into applications that will benefit business and society.” “We want to make sure that individuals in business, government, and society at large understand the immense potential that these scientific advances have to impact their health, wealth, and well-being,” said Catherine.
