Oklahoma State University (OSU) presented Landauer, Inc. and Nutrition Physiology Corporation with corporate royalty awards on Tuesday evening at the university's 2nd annual research gala. License agreements between each company and OSU have generated more than $1 million in royalties for the university.
"These partnerships are true examples of academic research developing into viable products," said Dr. Stephen McKeever, OSU vice president for research and technology transfer. "We are fortunate to have strong working relationships with these companies and to have maintained those relationships for such a long time."
Landauer is the world's leading provider of technical and analytical services and products to determine occupational and environmental radiation exposure. The Chicago-based company's radiation detection monitors function based on a technique developed by OSU researchers and licensed to Landauer in 1998.
The technique, known as optically stimulated luminescence, or OSL, uses luminescence emitted from radiation-sensitive materials to measure radiation exposure. More than 1.6 million people are on radiation service with Landauer. The company has 60 percent of the market share in the U.S. and 25 percent worldwide.
"The collaboration between OSU and Landauer has been very successful for almost 15 years," said Dr. Mark Akselrod, chief scientist and executive manager of the Stillwater Crystal Growth Division of Landauer. "It has resulted in a commercial technology that has brought extreme visibility to both Landauer and OSU."
Nutrition Physiology Corporation is a Texas-based microbial technology company specializing in products for ruminant livestock nutrition and food safety. The company maintains a strong commitment to research and attributes much of its success to technology licensed from OSU, which has been commercialized as a microbial feed additive for enhanced digestive health and efficiency in feedlot and dairy cattle. Licensed to NPC in 1996, the additive is fed daily to more than 1 million cattle in the high plains and in dairies on the west coast.
Further development of the OSU technology also led to the 2009 launch of a new product for the reduction of food-borne pathogens in fresh meat, poultry and ready-to-eat meats.
"The 15-year relationship between NPC and Oklahoma State University is a shining example of the long-term benefit of the university and industry working closely to solve complex food production and safety concerns," said Michael Ray, NPC founder and executive vice president. "We look forward to continuing our work with OSU in the future."
For more information on Landauer, visit www.landauerinc.com.
For more information on NPC, visit www.bovamine.com.
