Maryland's Public System of Higher Education

The USM in 2010: 

Responding to the Challenges that Lie Ahead

RB.35 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

UMBI, established by the state of Maryland in 1985, focuses on the basic science of biotechnology and its potential applications in improving and sustaining human health, the marine environment, and agriculture as well as on contributing to advances in protein engineering and structural biology. UMBI's distinct identity as an independent institution, outside the traditional Research University, rests in its emphasis on integrating research, education, and economic development through university, government, and industrial partnerships. The five research centers work both independently and together to answer scientific questions that solve problems. These solutions often foster the development of new products and processes, which can benefit economic development in biotechnology.

UMBI is an independent research institute. Its mission is to lead and foster cutting edge basic and applied research in the biosciences resulting in development of new products and processes for biotechnology industries; to provide hands-on mentoring for graduate and undergraduate students who wish to pursue careers in biotechnology; to offer bioscience education for teachers, K-12 students, and the public; and to serve as both a hub and conduit for collaborative research programs among USM institutions, industry, and state/federal agencies.

The University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute is recognized regionally, nationally, and internationally for its contributions to knowledge through basic research. The application of UMBI research to the solution of specific problems is a foundation for the continuing success of Maryland biotechnology companies, and the State is known as a national leader in the biotechnology industry. UMBI researchers mentor graduate students that go on to assume leadership roles in academic and industrial research. UMBI's contributions to K-12 student and teacher training result in a measurable increase in their proficiency in the biological and related sciences, and its public outreach programs lead to a better understanding of biotechnology science and policy issues among opinion makers, government officials, and the public at large.

Goal 1: To establish and nurture internationally recognized research programs at the forefront of biotechnology.

Objective 1.1. By 2005, increase number of faculty to 180 from a 1999 base of 170.

Objective 1.2. Increase sponsored research funding by 25% over the 1999 base by 2005.

Objective 1.3. Increase patent licensing fees and royalties from $480,000 per year in 1999 to $1,000,000 per year by 2005.

Objective 1.4. Increase patents granted to nine per year by 2005 as compared to a 1999 total of four per year.

Objective 1.5. Increase the number of international scientific meetings organized each year from one to two by 2002.

Objective 1.6. Initiate 3 new research collaborations with key academic and industrial institutions by 2003.

Goal 2: To catalyze biotechnology-related economic development in Maryland.

Objective 2.1. Increase cumulative total of new biotechnology companies in the state of Maryland to commercialize UMBI's research from two in 1999 to four by 2005.

Objective 2.2. Increase partnerships and collaboration with business and industry by five by 2002.

Goal 3: To provide training for the next generation of scientists and engineers in the science and techniques of biotechnology and its applications.

Objective 3.1. Expand the VIRTUE (virtual international university) program from four to six university participants and include medical and agricultural biotechnology programs by 2004.

Objective 3.2. Collaborate with other USM institutions to develop 5 bioscience educational programs by 2005.

Goal 4: To provide information and education for all citizens on scientific, social, and ethical issues in biotechnology and its applications.

Objective 4.1. Begin an annual two-day program by 2003 for public outreach on biotechnology education, ethical issues, and policy concerns, including safety and social impact.

Objective 4.2. Enhance and expand science and technology education programming to increase the number of K-12 students and teachers served from 7,000 in 1999 to 15,000 by 2002 and 25,000 by 2004, with a special emphasis on underserved populations.