Florida State University is encouraging the institution’s innovators and entrepreneurs to come forward and utilize their skills and resources to enhance translational research and transition that work from the laboratory to the commercial sector.

FSU President Richard McCullough addressed an audience of faculty honored for their achievements in developing patented research and inspired them to contemplate additional entrepreneurial endeavors.

The meeting was also part of a visit to FSU by Rich Carter, a chemistry professor at Oregon State University, to deliberate on how the university could recognize the efforts of faculty in generating products and private enterprises in the promotion and tenure processes, thereby fostering increased involvement in innovation.

“Dr. Rich Carter is an essential collaborator,” stated Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “He is a national figure in the dialogue surrounding innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Carter engaged with university leaders and faculty throughout the day. He contended that most faculty pursue research with the desire to make a positive contribution to society through their work. Developing new products or businesses is one method to achieve that goal.

“Keep in mind these effects are present throughout your colleges, throughout the entire university,” he conveyed to the audience at Conradi Studio Theatre in Williams Building.

In addition to his role as a chemistry professor, Carter is the co-founder of Valliscor, a chemical manufacturing firm specialized in fluorine. He also serves as the primary investigator for a National Science Foundation initiative aimed at supporting the endeavors of universities in the entrepreneurship sector and motivating them to integrate entrepreneurship and innovation into the promotion and tenure framework.

Patterson expressed that the university was eager to collaborate with Carter and others as it continued to cultivate the university’s entrepreneurial atmosphere.

“We aspire for faculty, staff, and students to genuinely engage in activities they believe will positively affect society, which fundamentally links to innovation and entrepreneurship, thinking innovatively about how they can bring their ideas to the marketplace, and how those ideas will influence individuals,” Patterson stated. “And that truly is the essence of Florida State University.”

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