URI_Research_Magazine_Momentum_Fall_2018_Melissa-McCarthy

A peptide used for targeting cancer with imaging and therapeutic agents, forward looking sonar for cruise ships and high-end yachts, and jet skis retrofitted to dredge sediment in an ancient harbor — none of these ventures sound remotely like the other. And yet, a common thread weaves through the distinctly different pursuits at the University of Rhode Island (URI) — strong institutional support for faculty research and discovery as well as securing avenues to access innovation and maximize a broader societal impact. Michael Katz, vice president for intellectual property and economic development with the URI Division of Research and Economic Development, works with faculty to achieve these aims. Also executive director of URI Research Foundation, Katz says, “The University’s goal is to move technology from the lab to the market by connecting faculty inventors with companies.” URI faculty have created innovative technologies that span across such disparate fields as biomedicine, computer science, nanotechnology, energy, defense, sensors, materials, composites, marine engineering, to name a few. Katz says faculty definitely should pursue bringing their inventions to market: “Researchers should be enthusiastically involved — it enhances the likelihood that their discovery will have an impact on society.” Katz notes that although faculty members typically are identified as the lead inventor, new disclosures often result from the important contributions from students. When students contribute significantly to a novel disclosure, they receive credit with co- inventorship on the patent application. These activities lead to a variety of exciting and unique research and commercial opportunities for URI postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students. “It’s a great opportunity for students to be involved in the research process and potentially work with business to impact our society beyond the university itself,” says Katz. “The University’s goal is to move technology from the lab to the market by connecting faculty inventors with companies.” - Michael Katz

Israel Maritime Antiquities Director Jacob “Koby” Sharvit and archaeologist Dror Planer pose next to URI’s Digski 2.0 in Caesarea.