94-04-19 Technology Transfer Theme of High-Level Conference

ICED-OUT CONFERENCE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER THEME OF HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE

       CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., April 19 -- A group of prominent
Virginia scientists, business leaders, and elected officials will
gather at the University of Virginia on Monday, May 2, for a day-
long conference seeking better ways to transfer academic research
and new technology into the commercial realm.
       Among those speaking at the event will be U.S. Sen. Charles
Robb, National Science Foundation head Neal Lane, and Michael
Miller, general manager of Virginia's Center for Innovative
Technology.
       The conference, New Alliances for Economic Development, is
being convened in response to the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Science, Space and Technology, which last year urged
the country's universities to be more active in applying their
research advances to useful technology.
       "Virginia's colleges and universities are at the center of
innovative thought," said Senator Robb.  "The concepts and
designs originated on our campuses have practical applications
that can help our economy grow and prosper."
       "This conference will strengthen the ties between the
Commonwealth's academic and business communities.  Working
together, these institutions can ensure that America's
technological base will remain its greatest asset," Robb added.
       The morning program is open to the public and begins at 9:30
a.m. in U.Va.'s Judge Advocate General's School on the north
grounds of the University.
       A series of workshops in the afternoon will bring together a
select group of senior-level scientists, policy makers and
business leaders to propose concrete recommendations about the
best ways to bring about technology-transfer in current economic
conditions.  Among the topics to be addressed is the role
biomedical and other advanced technologies might play in the
state's move away from defense industry employment.
       "Today, communication and knowledge fuel our economy as
natural resources and machinery did in the past," says Gene
Block, U.Va. vice provost for research and a conference
organizer.  "The interdependence of education, industry, and
government demands a coordinated response to the economic
challenges that face us.  Virginia must create new ways of
organizing our resources and championing our talents.  I am
confident that these workshops will make substantial
contributions towards this goal."
                                            ###
                                                                           
April 18, 1994
REPORTERS AND EDITORS:  Attached is a conference schedule.  If
you would like to attend part or all of the conference, please
contact Anne Oplinger at the University News Office at (804) 924-
7116.  We can also provide a list of confirmed conference
participants from your region.  Television and radio reporters
requiring technical support should contact the U.Va. television
news office at (804) 924-7550. 
The following conference participants could provide interviews.

       Gene Block, Ph.D.
       Vice Provost for Research, University of Virginia
       (804) 924-3606
       Topic: university-industry partnerships from research
       scientist perspective

       William Wulf, Ph.D.
       AT&T Professor of Engineering, U.Va.
       (804) 982-2223
       Topic:  computer sciences, high-speed information transfers

       Kay Kemper, Vice-President for University Relations
       Old Dominion University
       (804) 683-3159
       Topic: regional economic development

       

Karen A. Castle
University News Office
kac@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu
(804) 924-7116


[Submitted by: Karen A. Castle  (kac@uva.pcmail.virginia.edu)
               Wed, 20 Apr 94 10:39:07 EDT]