Technology transfer is: getting research results applied, either in the industry, in cooperatives, or in society. Therefore, one can describe technology transfer as the process of converting scientific findings from research laboratories into useful products by commercial companies. The EADGENE field of operation is one of applied research, not basic research. And, although maybe not in the top priority list of all scientists, at the end of the process, the findings of the scientist should get applied otherwise future funding will be lacking.
In EADGENE scientists were studying genes in animals and pathogens, their interactions, and the influence of these genes on the health of animals. If one finds for instance, a gene in a pig which make this animal more resistant to a certain strain of the bacteria Salmonella, the next scientific question could be whether this gene also enhances resistance to other strains of salmonella, or to other bacteria. Another scientist might focus on the location of this gene on the chromosome. Others want to know what is different in the resistant animal; does the defence system differ in activity of certain cells; does the digestive track differ and are salmonellas destroyed in the stomach, or not able to invade the gut?
Equally important is the notion where these findings will lead to, and whether the direction of the research and the questions are of (future) use to society (health, economic competitiveness). In the case of EADGENE research, several of the answers might be very useful in breeding more resistant pigs (or fish, cattle or poultry, etc), or to improve vaccines and medicines against harmful organisms. Although we deal with applied research, the answers the scientists are looking for may be too fundamental for direct application in commercial products, and a gap appears between what is known and what companies need to know to be able to apply it.
Genomic research is expensive and complicated - there is no endless funding available. Therefore, actions to bridge the gap between research and applications are important. Within EADGENE, there is serious commitment to close this gap, and to make sure society at large benefits from the results of EADGENE. A Technology Transfer Facilitator was active in EADGENE, to stimulate technology transfer generally, and in specific cases. The first year is used mainly to make an inventory of the field, and to get input on technology transfer and intellectual property issues from relevant commercial organisations, which had previously indicated their interest in products related to animal health and genomics.
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Technology Transfer Documents:
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