Few ivory tower ideas reach the world below. University research often looks too far in the future and is too removed from everyday life and things that people might use. Occasionally, however, a researcher will hit on an idea that has more immediate promise. The University of Colorado recently received $30 million from investment companies for a single invention by one of its faculty members: a new use for Botox that the researcher began developing in the 1990s.
"That doesn't happen often," said David Allen, vice president at Colorado's technology transfer office.
Tech transfer offices consider themselves "very successful" if they earn even $1 million on an idea generated by faculty, said Todd Sherer, president of the Association of University Technology Managers. The local paper the Daily Camera reported on the earnings March 24.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Drug firms outsource research to universities: Prescription for worry? | MNN - Mother Nature Network
