Manhattan, Kansas – a Bio Tech Research Powerhouse M anhattan, Kansas, home of Kansas State University, is becoming a major presence in animal health, food safety, and biosecurity research, graduating nearly 200 students per year in these areas. KSU has 150 scientists/researchers who work in the area of agri-bioscience, and is striving to be "the" land grant university in keeping America's food supply safe. More than 1,000 research proposals are funded based on merit. Projects range from protecting the food supply to making biodegradable consumer products out of grain. Major initiatives include:    Biosecurity Research Institute – a $55 million-plus federal project ensuring protection of the nation's food supply. Construction to be completed in late 2006.    NISTAC (National Institute For Strategic Technology Acquisition and Commercialization) – a not-for-profit organization focusing on technology transfer and commercialization of over 1,100 patents donated by Fortune 500 and technology companies. NISTAC has broken ground on a new facility in cooperation with both Kansas State and the City of Manhattan.    Nanoscale – a company based upon K-State technologies that develops and commercializes NanoActive materials and products such as FAST-ACT, a chemical hazard containment and neutralization system. Hazardous spills can be contained, neutralized and safely removed. Biosecurity Research Institute    Bioprocessing and Industrial Value Added Program (BIVAP) – focused on turning Kansas crops into value-added products and testing cutting-edge processes used to produce new grain-based food and non-food products. This includes everything from biodegradable shell casings to disposable knives and forks made out of grain.    Kansas State University Grain Science Complex – the first professional institute in the United States to provide technical training in support of market development activities for U.S. grains and soybeans. They teach agricultural and business courses to students from around the globe.    Grain Marketing and Production Research Center – the USDA's main facility for conducting research on measuring and controlling the quality of cereal grains throughout the grain industry. This includes the study of wind erosion and control of insect pests in the food supply.    Animal Vaccines – Kansas State is an acknowledged leader in the development of animal vaccines, such as those that combat West Nile virus.    Men's Journal magazine recently listed Manhattan as one of its "50 Best Places to Live" and called it an "idyllic college town." Manhattan represents the best of all worlds: top research facilities, a dynamic Big 12 college atmosphere, and an appealing living environment that is winning notice all over the country.