Ted Roumel, Vice President for Research Innovation & Commercialization at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, USA

Innovation And The Global Research Enterprise
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
GENEVA—NOVEMBER 2007
THEODORE J. ROUMEL
VICE PRESIDENT for RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

Background
-UMBI is one of 13 campuses of the University of Maryland System which is one of the top tier university systems in the United States
-Our mission is to conduct cutting edge research to advance science and improve public well being throughout the world
-We cover all areas of biotech including medical, agricultural, marine, industrial, and environmental

Innovation
-The intersection of invention and insight leading to creation of social and economic value—Council on Competitiveness
-Innovation is required for the advancement of civilization
-Innovation is being pursued globally
-Innovation requires a robust research enterprise

Bio-Pharmaceutical Research Enterprise
-Complex/Numerous Active Players
-Global
-Industry, Academia and Government
-Now Non-profit and Patient Groups
-Dynamic Biological Organism
-Research Funding
-IP Rights
-Risk/Reward System

Strength of the US Bio-Pharmaceutical Enterprise
-Tradition of Cooperation Between Academia, Industry & Government/Disease is The Enemy
-Sponsored & Contract Research, Clinical Trials, Licensing, etc.
-Public Support for Research & New, Innovative Treatments
-Demand for the latest and best treatment and medication
-Support Reward for Risk
-Protection of Intellectual Property
-Market Economy
-Availability of Venture Capital

Importance of IP to the Biomedical Research Enterprise
-Enables life sciences technology to move forward on its long road with protection of investment
-Time frame for approval of therapeutic drugs equates to six generations of cell phones
-Provides needed reward for risk

IP and Investment
-No venture capital if no protection
-Those with something of value seek IP protection
-OECD and U.S. NAS Conference and Report Conclusions--IP does not impinge on the R&D enterprise
-NIH--Innovation stymied by price controls

Importance of University Research
-Provide basic research talent
-Assist in development of translational research
-Provide assistance in clinical research activities
-Contribute to economic development
-Conduct research of interest to the developing world

UMBI Research
-WHO supports research on Class II transposable element dynamics in Anopheles gambiae—mosquitoes—anti malaria work
-Development of an environmentally friendly and economically sustainable marine aquaculture in land based facilities

Partnerships and Collaborations
-Seek long term relationships
-Licensing/Marketing
-On average it may take up to 3 years to license a technology
-Technology Transfer is a marathon not a sprint
-TT best way to implement important findings and concepts

Future of the Research Enterprise
-Understanding and Balancing Outcomes Desired by Government, Industry and Academia/Non Profit Sectors
-Maintaining and Enhancing the Strengths of the Research Enterprise
-Communicating to the Public the Value to Society from Enterprise Interaction

Contact Information
Theodore J. Roumel, PhD MPH
Vice President for Research, Innovation & Commercialization
University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute
roumel@umbi.umd.edu
240-314-6509
410-800-4109