BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Enhanced collaboration on future research initiatives to benefit outcomes and the wellness of the community are the goals of a new collaborative research agreement (CRA) between Binghamton University and the Guthrie Clinic.

Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger and Guthrie Clinic President/CEO Edmund Sabanegh signed the agreement into effect Friday, Dec. 13.

The CRA establishes standardized guidelines for each research project undertaken by the clinic and university that eliminate the need for repetitive contract reviews. This speeds up launching research projects and fostering seamless collaboration, the organizations contend. By focusing on compliance and cybersecurity, the pact also ensures proper safeguards are in place to protect shared data.

“I’m excited for this new understanding, both as a way for our researchers to advance their work and to accentuate the care that Guthrie provides to its patients,” Stenger said in a statement.

Sabanegh added, “This agreement allows us to collaborate more effectively, opening the door for greater innovation. It creates a solid framework to focus on meaningful research that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”

The scope of the partnership extends beyond health-care research and can include areas such as engineering, process improvement, and more. Beyond research, the agreement is also poised to benefit the broader community as the two organizations aim to conduct research that could lead to new discoveries and improvements in health-care practices, technology, and other fields.

Guthrie’s recent expansion into Broome County through its acquisition of Lourdes Hospital further solidifies the relationship. The CRA allows Binghamton University direct access to Guthrie’s entire network of specialists and clinical expertise, creating even more opportunities for collaboration.