Rutgers University’s Office of Research and Economic Development released their annual Research and Development Report for 2017, highlighting discoveries ranging from breakthroughs in antibiotics to graphene applications in smartphones and other electronics. Senior vice president for research and economic development, Christopher Molloy, called it a banner year for Rutgers’ technology licensing.
Molloy stated, “Our cutting-edge research sparks innovation, leading to startups and new ventures, and fuels a stronger economy by creating jobs and building a stronger workforce for our state and region. This year, our research translated into 80 U.S. and 149 global patents, 150 new inventions, and six new startups formed, with 75 active ones already on the roster.”
In addition to those accomplishments, the report also mentioned:
- Rutgers ranked 21st in the top 100 worldwide universities granted U.S. patents in 2016
- Rutgers held 89 research awards valued at over $1 million
- Saw a 25% increase in corporate-sponsored research
- Holds 339 companies engaged in research
- Maintained $6.70 of economic activity to every dollar spent on research
Numerous members of Rutgers faculty received awards for their work, with Professor Fernando Muzzino of the School of Engineering receiving the Inventor of the Year Award along with induction into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame, Professor Joseph Goffreda winning the Thomas A. Edison Patent Award for a hybrid peach variety, and ten other professors joining the ranks of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for contributions to scientific leadership, education, and innovation.
