REDD News: April 2025

In this issue:

  • Federal funding updates
  • NAI Top 100 Patent Generation List
  • Technology Transfer Office (TTO) staffing
  • Accelerating Research Translations
  • REDD News and Events

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

Spring has sprung at UW despite the jarring returns to winter weather we typically see this month. As we all harbor expectations of warmer, longer and sunnier days, I am similarly looking forward with optimism despite current uncertainties in the federal funding landscape.

 

Changes in federal programs and policies for extramural funding of research, services, and education are contributing to the uncertainties in the landscape for UW’s research and related activities that depend on federal grants and agreements. UW is preparing for several potential scenarios and keeping the campus informed of the most up-to-date information via townhall meetings and website updates (https://www.uwyo.edu/research/support-and-resources/federal-funding-updates.html). The next town hall is scheduled for May 1, 2025 from 12 Noon to 1:00 pm in Classroom Building 133. We will provide guidance to campus if/when federal grants get terminated due to changing federal government policies and priorities. UW will continue to focus on people first when dealing with these situations.

 

UW’s research enterprise is strong, broad, and impactful. One of its impacts is on enriching student experiences. Our annual Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Across the Disciplines event is this weekend (Saturday, April 26). Undergraduate students from across campus from art to zoology and everything in between will present their research, scholarly work, and creative activities. I encourage you to check it out and support our talented students! Feedback and encouragement from the UW community is an important part of the student experience and helps pave the way to success here at UW and after graduation. See the event information below or click here for more details.

 

Another way research impacts Wyoming is through intellectual property generated by UW’s research activities. The following three updates demonstrate our commitment to the economic impacts of UW’s research through enhancing innovation.

 

1. NAI Top 100 List: It’s excellent news we’ve once again joined the ranks of the top patent-producing universities in the U.S. Coupled with our recent designation as a Carnegie RI Research Institution, ranking 91st on the National Academy of Inventors’ annual list continues to elevate UW’s prestige and reputation. We’re not only hanging right there with Colorado State, the University of Alabama and Utah State (all tied on the list at #91), we bested other larger research universities such as Washington State and West Virginia University!

 

2. TTO Staffing Update: The UW Technology Transfer Office (TTO) has a new director! Join me in welcoming Dr. Stephanie Sellers, who comes to us from Indiana University’s Innovation and Commercialization Office to fill this critical role within REDD. At IU she managed a life sciences portfolio, supported the commercialization of faculty innovations, and played a leading role in the Office’s internal agreement review process. Please reach out to her at sseller4@uwyo.edu with a hearty welcome and/or any questions you may have for her about TTO. Also, please welcome Dr. Owen Funk, the new Licensing Manager on the TTO team. Owen will be working on developing relations between inventors and industry partners while negotiating commercialization agreements among other important facets of IP management and transfer. He can be reached at ofunk@uwyo.edu. Welcome Owen!

 

3. Accelerating Research Translation Update: A little more than a month ago we took an important step to bolster UW’s culture of innovation and translational research among its research faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and students. We did so to be mindful of opportunities and means to translate their research into practical and economically- beneficial solutions that contribute to the growth of Wyoming’s economy. TTO hosted a two-day NSF ART Ambassador Forum to educate and inform more than 40 ambassadors who are volunteers from within and beyond the campus. These ambassadors are now tasked with building and sustaining awareness of ways to maximize potential of UW research for outcomes that benefit local, regional and statewide communities of Wyoming. TTO has published its latest RFP for the next round of funding under the ART grant. Letters of Intent are due April 30, 2025. 

 

While there may be some stressful funding scenarios on the horizon, UW continues to be committed to supporting, recognizing and rewarding our faculty, staff and students in pursuit of research, scholarship, and creative endeavors.

 

Thank you, and best regards,
Parag

 

Parag R. Chitnis
Vice President for Research and Economic Development
Professor of Molecular Biology
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY

REDD News/Announcements

  • UW makes National Academy of Inventors’ Top 100 list of U.S. universities with most-generated patents. See the news release here.
  • Wyoming’s Undergraduate Research and Inquiry Across the Disciplines event is this Saturday, April 26! Begin with breakfast at 7:00 am, then presentations at 8:00 am at the Classroom Building (morning); lunch at the Wyoming Union followed by poster session in the Union until 3:30. Click here for more information.
  • Unlocking Careers in Entertainment with Ray Eddy. Dr. Ray Eddy is a seasoned stunt performer, visionary filmmaker, and esteemed educator who will offer insights into career opportunities (beyond performing) in the dynamic world of entertainment. May 5, UW College of Business Room 123 from noon to 1:00 PM.
  • Impact 307 Events
    − Thursday, 4/24 – Industry Networking Luncheon, Wyoming Technology Business Center, Rm.
    104, noon – 1:30.
    − Wednesday, 4/30 – Startup Lunch & Learn, Legal Topics for Small Businesses, Wyoming
    Technology Business Center, Rm. 104, 12:15 – 1:45
  • ART Ambassadors are scheduled to meet on April 28 from noon to 2:00 pm in room 121 in the College of Business.