|
Yes, EBI is an interdisciplinary research institute of Ohio University. We are part of OU’s office of the Vice President for Research. Our scientists hold faculty appointments in the colleges of Arts and Sciences and Osteopathic Medicine. We also frequently collaborate with colleagues in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Business and other academic units.
The Edison Biotechnology Institute (EBI) has a dual mission:
- Basic discovery research and development of new
technology and
- The transfer of technology to the private sector
for economic benefit in Ohio
We seek to understand the molecular/genetic basis of diseases that disproportionately affect the people of Appalachian Ohio and that also are major worldwide challenges. EBI investigators pursue internationally recognized research programs in:
- Growth disorders
- Diabetes, obesity and related cardiovascular complications
- Autoimmune / inflammatory diseases
- Aging
- Infectious diseases
- Cancer
Through our increased understanding of these diseases, we develop diagnostics and therapeutics for health care.
Omeris, founded in 1986 as the Edison BioTechnology Center, is a non-profit organization designed to build and accelerate bioscience industry, research and education in Ohio. Omeris promotes the bioscience assets of Ohio to attain competitiveness and growth for the state.
EBI is the southeast Ohio regional affiliate of Omeris and receives financial support from the Ohio Department of Development. EBI provides broad-based business assistance to regional bioscience companies, including:
- business plan reviews
- technology commercialization advice
- perspective on funding opportunities
- connections with potential research partners
- access to Omeris’ state-wide bioscience network
Omeris has three other regional offices: BIO/START in Cincinnati, BioEnterprise in Cleveland and TechColumbus in Columbus.
Funding for EBI comes from a variety of sources, including Omeris and the Ohio Department of Development, the Goll-Ohio Eminent Scholar Endowment, Ohio University, federal agencies, foundations and corporate-sponsored research agreements.
Over the past five years, EBI’s annual research budget has ranged between $2 and $3 million. EBI’s fiscal year 2004 research awards totaled over $2.8 million. Corporate sponsored research agreements provide over 50 percent of EBI’s total funding.
Yes. Our innovative technology leads to many patents and over 40% of OU’s current intellectual property.
As of the spring of 2006 our faculty have generated:
- One international patent
- Twenty-six U.S. patents
- Twenty-eight U.S. patent applications pending
- Thirteen active invention disclosures
Our patent portfolio gives greater detail on selected patents.
Eight companies have been created through licensing of EBI “platform” technology. Six of these companies still exist, a testament to the value of our technologies.
To learn more about the institute and its research efforts, contact:
David Wight, Ph.D.
Director
Edison Biotechnology Institute
Ohio University
Konneker Research Laboratories
The Ridges
Athens, OH 45701
Phone 740-593-4713
Fax 740-593-4795
E-mail biotech@ohio.edu
|
