Richard Huston, Ph.D., has joined the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the newly-created position of Assistant Dean for Research and Director of the Intellectual Property Office.
The position is responsible for advancing UNMC’s research programs through a number of initiatives. These initiatives include increasing the number of clinical trials and identifying breakthrough research, protecting it with patents, then moving it into the marketplace as a means of generating revenue.
Dr. Huston joins UNMC with 32 years of research experience. Since 1990, he has worked at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), serving as Acting Director of the Intellectual Property Office the past two years. UIC is a major research institution bringing in more than $120 million a year in research grants and contracts. Under Dr. Huston’s direction, the Intellectual Property Office at UIC generated annual revenues of more than $1.5 million.
An Illinois native, Dr. Huston earned his doctorate, master’s and undergraduate degrees from the University of Illinois. Prior to joining UIC, his other work experience included four years with the National Dairy Council, nine years with Abbott Laboratories and one year with the National Livestock and Meat Board.
“UNMC has had a technology transfer program for some time,” said William Berndt, Ph.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It’s time for the program to move to a more active level, and we believe Dick Huston has the talent and enthusiasm to do this. We anticipate he will bring all our intellectual property efforts to a greater level of success.”
Over the past several years, UNMC’s research enterprise has grown rapidly. In 1997-98, external funding increased by 26 percent bringing in more than $34 million. Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., has set a goal of doubling research funding at UNMC within the next five years.
The creation of the new position was recommended by the Research and Education Advisory Panel (REAP) established by Dr. Berndt during his two years as chancellor from 1996 to 1998.
One REAP member, David Crouse, Ph.D., said the addition of Dr. Huston should greatly enhance UNMC’s research efforts. “Along with our increasing funding, we have seen a rise in the number of research discoveries. It was critical that we find an experienced individual like Dick Huston who has the scientific background and intellectual property training needed to foster more direct and supportive interaction with the research faculty.
“The increased number of intellectual property disclosures is complicated by their increasing complexity, particularly in the hot areas related to biotechnology fields. Coming from UIC, Dick worked in a program that does more than three times the amount of research as we do at UNMC. He knows what it takes to get our research to the next level.”
Dr. Crouse served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs during Dr. Berndt’s two years as chancellor and is now assisting Dr. Berndt in his vice chancellor role.
Dr. Huston, who began his new position in December, identified several things he hopes to accomplish during his first few months on the job. These include:
Meeting personally with key administrators and researchers. “I want to get into their labs and see what they are doing,” Dr. Huston said, “I’ve already met with the deans and department heads, and I hope to meet with 40 to 50 key researchers within the next four months.”
Developing the capacity to allow for more clinical trials, ranging from Phase I to Phase III investigations.
Streamlining the operational relationship between UNMC and UneMed, the for-profit corporation established in 1991 to carry out the development and transfer of UNMC intellectual property to the marketplace.
Holding an Inventors Recognition Dinner in March and an open house in the Intellectual Property Office at a later date.
Developing a process for handling inventions made in Nebraska Health System. “The merger that created NHS has produced changing patterns in the types of patients we see on this campus,” Dr. Huston said. “We are looking for ways to facilitate UNMC/NHS clinicians who want to involve their patients in research activities. Ultimately, we think these research opportunities will allow clinicians to do what’s best for their patients.”
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state. Through its commitment to research, education and patient care, UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. More than $34 million in research grants and contracts are awarded to UNMC scientists annually. In addition, UNMC’s educational programs are responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska than any other institution.