Studying amphibian declines will
lead to improved survivability for
wildlife and humans. |
With amphibian populations, including many species of frogs, on the decline worldwide, biologists at the University of South Florida in Tampa are investigating how factors such as pollution, climate change and disease contribute to a pattern of extinction. Their goal is to develop sustainable ecosystems for both wildlife and humans.
At the same time, in another USF laboratory, psychology and engineering researchers seeking to increase independence for people with paralytic conditions are continuing to fine-tune a wheelchair robotic arm they developed that is controlled completely by brainwaves.
From developing clean sources of energy to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities, research and innovation at USF is creating solutions to some of society’s most difficult problems.
Broad research spectrum
Interdisciplinary research at USF has never been more robust. During the last fiscal year, external research funding rose by 17% over the previous year to reach a total of $360.2 million. That $50-million increase in federal, state and local awards further solidified the university’s status as one of the nation’s leading research institutions.
Brain-controlled wheelchair robotic arm |
USF’s innovative research programs span a broad spectrum and include:
» A hand-held device to accelerate battlefield and accident scene diagnosis and triage
» Cell phone software with audio prompts and transmission capabilities that make public transportation easier for riders with special needs
» Sensor technology to keep dementia patients safer by tracking their movements
» The largest comprehensive energy smart grid in the Southeast
» An inexpensive way to remove dangerous contaminants from water using cactus mucilage.
From laboratory to marketplace
As research programs designed to address specific societal needs continue to grow in quality and depth, so do the university’s efforts to transfer these discoveries to the marketplace and to develop high-technology businesses and partnerships. Revenue generated from licenses of faculty intellectual property to private businesses in 2008 exceeded $2.1 million, placing USF second in technology commercialization within Florida’s university system.
Last year, the USF Research Park was recognized for excellence in bringing technology and innovation from the laboratory to economically viable business activities with the 2008 Emerging Research Park of the Year award from the Association of University Research Parks.
“USF continues to grow in its capacity for innovation,” says Karen Holbrook, USF vice president for research and innovation. “The ability to create solutions to real-world challenges and bring lab discoveries to the marketplace is critical to the technological and economic development of the Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida.”
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