GSDM Hosts First Ever Research Industry Workshop
On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Research held its first ever Industry Workshop in the Wilkins Board Room, E-120.
The workshop began with presenter Dr. Joel Berger, Director, New Frontier Science at Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. He discussed, “Takeda’s new frontier program and working with big pharma.” Dr. John Magill, Principal Research Engineer at Physical Sciences Inc. followed Dr. Berger with the presentation “PSI collaboration around the osteomark project and their SBIR awards.” Drs. Berger and Magill reviewed the research industry perspective in terms of what companies are looking for in a partnership with an academic institution.
Boston University Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science and Engineering, and Pharmacology and a College of Engineering Distinguished Faculty Fellow Dr. Mark W. Grinstaff reviewed, “Commercialization of an ocular sealant: The hyperbranch medical technology story.” Dr. Grinstaff drew on his vast experience working within the industry and discussed the process of creating research companies.
Two staff members from Boston University Technology Development discussed BU’s past and future participation in the research industry. Michael Pratt, Executive Director of Business Development, and David Lough, Director of Business Development, discussed, “Connecting BU research with commercial collaborators.” Pratt and Clark offered an overview of the support options Boston University offers for collaborations within the industry.
Anne Clark, Associate Director, Industry Contracts & Agreements at Boston University Sponsored Programs gave the final presentation of the day, “Contract processing and follow-up.”
GSDM Associate Dean for Research Maria Kukuruzinska delivered the Workshop’s closing remarks and adjourned the meeting.
“The industry workshop was organized in response to researchers’ requests for information on how best to collaborate with industry without compromising intellectual property,” said Dr. Kukuruzinska. She continued, “The presenters included several industry representatives as well as BU faculty and staff with significant experience in commercialization and financing collaborations. The workshop provided valuable information that can be applied by GSDM researchers in future interactions with industry.”
“The Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s first Research Industry Workshop was a great success,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. He continued, “The presenters offered valuable insights into the future of research at universities and private companies. Thank you to Dr. Kukuruzinska and her staff for organizing this important event.”