USM, FDA Agreement Expands Research Opportunities and Resources for System Faculty and Students

ADELPHI, Md. (July 19, 2007) - A new agreement between the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the University System of Maryland (USM) will expand research opportunities and resources for system faculty and students, system officials announced this week. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by USM Chancellor William E. Kirwan and FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., formalizes a relationship that will support collaborative research, public outreach, extension activities, international initiatives, disciplinary training, and exchange of scientists and staff by the two organizations.

"The process of scientific research is always strengthened by collaboration between colleagues across disciplines and institutions," said Chancellor Kirwan. "This relationship will bring benefits to both USM and the FDA. By sharing our resources and our talents, we can open up new areas of discovery, funding, and cooperation that are critically important for keeping our faculty and students on the leading edge and for fostering our nation's ‘knowledge economy'."

Under the terms of the agreement, USM and the FDA will identify priorities and topics of mutual interest that will be enhanced by collaboration. The agreement will foster activities such as:

• Exchanges between university faculty and staff and FDA scientists and staff;
• Educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, staff, and faculty;
• Joint meetings for education and research;
• Research collaborations;
• Cooperative international activities and outreach; and
• Sharing of facilities and equipment for increased cost efficiencies for scientific endeavors.

"With this agreement, USM's institutions now have an additional partner in research as the FDA consolidates its policy, regulatory, and scientific resources at the White Oak Federal Research Center in nearby Silver Spring," explained Brian Darmody, USM's special assistant vice chancellor for technology development, who coordinated the agreement. "The advantages that come from partnering on research, training, and funding can only benefit both parties."

Contact: John Buettner
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: jbuettner@usmd.edu