The event focused on the Hormel Institute’s cancer research, with emphasis on its powerful Titan Krios microscope, which is used to study individual particles via cryo-electron microscopy.

"It's a technology that allows us to look at life and pieces of life, and at a magnification that was unheard of 10 years ago,” said Robert Clarke, the Hormel Institute’s executive director.

According to Clarke, the microscope is the only one of its kind in Minnesota and several surrounding states. The institute has had the microscope for nearly five years, but recently acquired a new attachment, which Clarke estimates will allow researchers to perform potentially “five to 10 times the amount of work."

Directors also emphasized the Hormel Institute’s work with biofuels and its recently published research that shows biofuel use can reduce cancer risk.

Klobuchar praised the scientists’ work, noting the importance of such research in her own efforts to push back against oil companies and promote clean energy. She also highlighted the critical nature of cancer research, given the disease’s near-universal reach, and in light of the news that Rep. Jim Hagedorn’s kidney cancer has returned.

“There is a lot of work being done right now in Washington on investment, especially in cancer research, given President Biden's interest in that and the tragic loss of his son,” she said. “I want to make sure that the people in Washington understand the importance of the work being done here.”

The event marked Klobuchar’s sixth visit to the institute, which celebrates its 80th anniversary next year. In addition to institute staff, Austin Mayor Steve King and Bonnie Rietz, former Austin mayor and current vice chair of the Hormel Foundation, were in attendance.

Clarke spoke about the research collaboration between the Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and Mayo Clinic, in addition to underscoring the continued growth of the Hormel Institute and its potential for future expansions.

“This institute is going to change dramatically over the next five years,” he said. “It's on an amazing trajectory. We hope to bring new jobs, new people, new ideas and new technologies to right here in Austin. And then what we learn from that, we want to take out of Austin to the rest of the world.”