The BSI is developing new partnerships with industry and biotechnology, with the goal of fostering translation of discoveries to treatments of disease. The BSI has brought industry representatives to Hopkins to educate them about the scope of basic and clinical neuroscience in the University, and follow-up meetings are anticipated. The Biogen Idec Corporation has signed a model agreement that includes research support for proposals chosen on a competitive basis by a joint Biogen Idec/BSI board. The first two such awards have been announced, and a proposals will be accepted again next year. The targeted areas of Biogen Idec include multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and pain. At the suggestion of many faculty members, we developed within the BSI a position intended to help faculty in developing intellectual property, understanding and facilitating interactions with corporations and venture capital, and providing a liaison to technology transfer. Aditya Polsani had previously played this role in Biomedical Engineering, and in his new role will work both with the BSI and with BME. On September 18, 2008, the BSI hosted the Johns Hopkins Biotechnology 2008 Conference "Neuroscience Investors Conference: Investing in Brain Research" at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel. Industry representatives from around the country heard presentations and discussions by leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, foundations, and venture capital companies, and learned about programs within the neurosciences at Johns Hopkins.
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