The process of developing university research discoveries into beneficial commercial products will be the topic of a May 27 technology transfer forum at Mississippi State University.
The first of its kind held at a Mississippi public university, the forum brings together representatives of successful technology transfer programs in other states, state business and industry leaders and MSU faculty members.
The daylong program begins at 7:30 a.m. in the Colvard Union small auditorium.
"Technology transfer involves moving discoveries made by university scientists from the laboratory to the marketplace," said Robert Palmer, MSU's director of technology transfer. "This is done through the patenting process and working with inventors and commercial partners to transfer the products to the public."
Lou Tornatzky, director of the Southern Technology Council, will make the opening address. Representing 14 Southern states and Puerto Rico, the organization he heads works to strengthen the region's economy through technology.
MSU's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, Office of Research, and the colleges of Engineering and Arts and Sciences are sponsoring the program. Other sponsors include the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Mississippi's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
