IPST has been recognized as the fifth most innovative institution in the nation. The Research Foundation of State University of New York, taking data from a survey of 250 of the top research institutions in the U.S. by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), ranked the Institute of Paper Science and Technology as the fifth most innovative institution in the country. IPST was ranked higher in the standings than MIT, Georgia Tech, Stanford, and Princeton. The rankings were based on the number of patents produced within an institution as a factor of the number of faculty at the institution.

The Institute, from its beginning in 1929, was created to provide basic research for the paper industry. The Institute was instrumental in moving the paper industry from an art to a science. Scientists with expertise in physics, engineering, biology, and chemistry researched major industry issues, and for the first time, explained the scientific intricacies of how paper is made.

The method in which technology is transferred to industry and the role of the research institution have changed in recent years. It used to be that research institutions did fundamental research, they published their findings in journals, and the industry read those journals and commercialized what they thought was valid. Today, companies do not depend on journal articles for their breakthroughs; they want innovations delivered to them as a finished product. Specifically, with the rapid change in the paper industry and the downsizing of R&D in individual companies, the Institute is expected to do more to deliver a complete package to our constituents.

Dr. Gary Baum said, "We decided back in 1996 to add technology transfer as a new mission for IPST, and it is now finally paying off. This ranking means that we have been diligent in capturing intellectual property for the benefit of our member companies." In contrast to the Institute of earlier years, IPST now aggressively seeks patents to protect intellectual property. Under the new Dues-Funded Research Consortium (DFRC) model, when patented technologies are subsequently licensed to third parties, IPST negotiates a nonexclusive royalty-free right for our members to use the technology.

The transfer of IPST-developed technology to our members and the industry for commercial use has always been of the highest importance to the Institute. Our new Technology Transfer Mission and the DFRC model, together with our increased focus on delivering value to customers, have led to some significant changes in how we conduct the business of Technology Transfer. There are currently seven license agreements, and our portfolio of IPST technologies licensed to supplier companies continues to grow. The Institute has produced 152 patents since its founding in 1929, 23 of those have been produced since 1995. The current number of pending patent applications is 45. In 1999, we licensed our first start-up company, Fluidix Microforming Systems, Inc., to commercialize the forming technology developed by IPST faculty inventor Dr. Cyrus Aidun.

"I'm quite pleased that the Institute of Paper Science and Technology ranked so high among other research institutions like MIT and Georgia Tech," said Dr. Jim Ferris, IPST's President. "I think that the ranking reflects well upon the fine researchers that we have at IPST and the value that we give to the pulp and paper industry."

For more information contact David Bell at David.Bell@ipst.gatech.edu.