August 29, 1997

UofA licensing revenues quadruple

An early frost doesn't have to spell disaster for Alberta canola farmers thanks to the research of Dr. Gary Stringam. And while farmers reap the economic benefits of the northern strain of canola he developed, so does the U of A under a licensing agreement.

That agreement and others like it have resulted in a record $4.2 million in licensing revenues for the U of A in 1996-97.

This is more than four times last year's revenue, says President Rod Fraser, and places the University of Alberta among the top ten universities in North America.

"Some will recall a time at which we literally gave away our investments," he says. Instead, the University, through the Industry Liaison Office, now sells new technologies. Most of the revenue is reinvested in further research activity."

"Our students are learning from elite research teams of technicians and scholars," he says. "The benefits literally spiral first into the classroom and then into industry and the community beyond," says Fraser.

Medical advances and agricultural research each account for about 40 per cent of the revenue. Cancer diagnostics and other research account for the remaining 20 per cent. ,P> The U of A also experienced another banner year in sponsored research funding. This is welcome news, says Dr. Roger Smith, acting vice-president (research and external affairs), at a time when both senior levels of government are cutting funding.

The University attracted a record $104.814 million in externally funded research in 1996/97 and research funding has grown by more than $24 million in the past four years. This puts the U of A a year ahead of schedule in its goal to raise $1 billion in sponsored research by 2000. A total of $771 million is secured so far.

Folio front page

Office of Public Affairs

University of Alberta