UA Works on Business of Technology Transfer with du Pont Donations

The global research and technology-based company E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. Inc. made a donation of patents and intellectual property to The University of Alabama last year.

Dr. Anthony Arduengo, professor and Saxon Chair of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, worked for du Pont for many years and is a co-inventor of the patents in the donated intellectual property. He said the University is working on licensing opportunities for the technology and that the centerpiece of that technology is the imidazole, which plays an important role in many biological and industrial systems. The uses of imidazole are fairly widespread and include such industries as pharmaceuticals, herbicides and electronics.

“It’s quite a challenge for us to place this technology in the business sector. This is a new enterprise for the University and an excellent learning opportunity for all concerned,” Arduengo said. “And, in fact, this keeps us moving toward our goal of educating students in all phases of the chemistry profession. Students are able to see up close how companies work and witness the evolution of a business from the discovery of fundamental science through application and new business development.”

Dr. Joseph Thrasher, professor and chair of chemistry, says industries don’t just give technology to universities. “There’s a due diligence process that requires that the recipient has the technical know-how and where-with-all to manage and develop the technology further so that there is a real financial benefit to the recipient,” he said. “There has to be someone who knows the science behind the invention and who will facilitate technology transfer. Clearly, Dr. Arduengo has that expertise.”