UMass top-ranked Massachusetts university in survey, with $70 million in licensing income
BOSTON -- Dec. 20, 2010:The University of Massachusetts ranked eighth in the nation in generating income from the licensing of faculty-derived discoveries and products, according to a report released today.
According to the Fiscal Year 2009 report released by the Association of University Technology Managers, the University of Massachusetts generated $70,553,428 in technology transfer income in FY 2009, executing 50 technology licenses and options and creating one startup company.
Two other Massachusetts universities ranked in the top 30 of reporting institutions in the survey: MIT placed ninth and Harvard ranked 27th. Northwestern University led the list with $161 million in licensing income.
"We are delighted to be standing alongside the tallest towers of technology transfer," University of Massachusetts President Jack M. Wilson said. "This ranking is a testament to the quality of research and discovery taking place on all five of our campuses and augers well for our state's innovation economy."
The Association of University Technology Managers' new technology transfer rankings were unveiled today in the publication Inside Higher Ed.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/12/20/university_patent_and_licensing_income_rises
UMass has fared well in the survey in recent years, cracking the Top 15 in Fiscal Year 2008 with $37 million in technology transfer income.
The University's intellectual property income rose dramatically in Fiscal Year 2009, with the increase fueled by a $30 million upfront payment the University received from Merck & Co., Inc., as a result of the licensing of a human monoclonal antibody combination for clostridium difficile infection -- a treatment developed at the Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories, which is part of UMass Medical School.
UMass is an acknowledged national and global leader in research areas including renewable energy, nanotechnology, life sciences and marine science.
"While we may focus on the financial and economic impact that technology transfer has on the University and the Commonwealth, we must also remember that this work saves and improves lives locally and around the world," President Wilson said. "This success rebounds into the classroom as well, as our students enjoy the great benefit of studying and working with faculty members who are the leaders in their fields and are expanding the boundaries of human knowledge."
"This strong performance is but another example of the University of Massachusetts moving forward and achieving at the highest levels," President Wilson added.
Contact: Robert P. Connolly, 617.287.7073