Killoren named first president of national industry-research board

COLUMBUS – Robert Killoren, Ohio State University associate vice president for research, has been appointed as the inaugural president of the University-Industry Demonstration Partnership (UIDP). The UIDP was formed by the National Academies to create innovative ways to enhance U.S. industry-university research relationships.

"This appointment clearly recognizes the extensive contribution and national leadership that Bob has brought to university-industry partnerships over the years as well as the numerous important contributions he has made to other areas of the national dialogue on university research administration throughout his career," said Robert McGrath, senior vice president for research at Ohio State.

According to the most recent government data, Ohio State maintained its sixth place ranking in industry sponsored research during a period when funding in that category generally declined. The National Academies view industry-university research relationships as a key to maintaining U.S. competitiveness, enhancing research infrastructure, and educating mathematicians, scientists, and engineers.

A primary focus of the UIDP will be streamlining intellectual property negotiations. Its first demonstration project will be Turbo Negotiator, a software tool that technology negotiators can us to quickly craft a unique agreement that would fit the characteristics of that particular project while satisfying the mission critical needs of both partners.

UIDP was established under the National Academies Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR). Killoren, who also serves as executive director of Ohio State's Research Foundation, will begin his UIDP term in December. UIDP details are available at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/guirr/Meetings.html .

Prior to joining Ohio State in July, Killoren served as associate vice president and director of sponsored research programs at Pennsylvania State University, where he worked since 1989. Killoren and his wife have four children and reside in Gahanna. (43230).