The State Journal of West Virginia tells us about the ambitious academic and economic goals being set for the Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR), located on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, WV. It does not sound like a great deal of "blue-sky" research is happening here since, as the article states, "MIIR is the key vehicle in Marshall University's effort to produce patent-worthy scientific breakthroughs and spawn the kind of high-tech businesses that create new jobs and generate new tax revenues."
The profit--and economic development--motive driving biotech research at Marshall represents "a significant departure from conventional university research approaches," university President Stephen J. Kopp told The State Journal. One difference is that scientists sign performance-based contracts and are not chosen by traditional academic appointment. Within five years, each researcher needs to generate at least half of his or her income from external sources. But they also are free from classroom duty and can work purely in research roles. They are, however, responsible for involving grad students and undergrads. The goal is to prepare "the next generation of entrepreneurial researchers who will contribute to economic growth in our communities," Kopp told The State Journal.
Marshall focuses on genome regulation, genome modification and bionanotechnology. Kopp tells The State Journal that all these categories mean business. This is not a big science experiment. "...we wanted to create a catalyst that would nurture an earning and entrepreneurial culture. We also needed to intensify and accelerate the rate at which research done at Marshall reaches the marketplace."
- read the story in The State Journal