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Underwriters to the Future
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20294 |
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Section : |
NATURAL SCIENCE
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| Issue
Date : |
7 / 1992 |
3,098 Words |
| Author
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Sandra Gurvis
Sandra Gurvis is a free-lance science writer based in
Columbus, Ohio. |
Occupying a corner of north Columbus, the huge, hulking conglomerate of buildings and activities of the Battelle Memorial Institute, more commonly known as Battelle, sits across the street from Ohio State University. Begun in 1929, Battelle today is an international organization with an annual business volume of more than $700 million. With 48 locations worldwide, Battelle has a staff of over 8,000 working on some 4,900 projects each year.
Although people do know that Battelle has something (a lot, actually) to do with scientific research, most are not clear as to its exact function. "We're dedicated to developing technology throughout the entire spectrum, from the theoretical to the practical," states Battelle CEO Douglas Olesen. As the world's oldest and biggest independent contract research group of scientists, engineers, and other specialists, "we look at the marketplace without preconceived notions and in a nonbiased manner."
An Open Agenda
Battelle clients include industries and government agencies in nearly 50 disciplines, from manufacturing to health sciences to computers to space and environmental research. While some want help in solving a specific problem or developing a product, others may be approached by Battelle to market a particular invention. Yet others may offer their discoveries to Battelle in exchange for a royalty-based license or to form joint ventures. Or Battelle may invest in a product developed by its own scientists. "If someone invents something, the big question is 'So what?'" observes Richard Razgaitis, vice president of commercial development. "We need to find an appropriate use and market for the new product, one its creator might not even consider."
Over half of Battelle's funding comes from U.S. government agencies, ranging from NASA to the Departments of Energy, Defense, and Health and Human Services, as well as from foreign governments. "We make no geographical distinctions among clients," comments Olesen. "We'll do work for them as long as it doesn't conflict with U.S. rules and regulations." Battelle receives slightly less money from corporate patrons like Mitsubishi, Emerson Electric, and Hewlett-Packard. Academic and other nonprofit institutions account for the remaining 5 or so percent.
Although there has been an overall decline in defense spending, it still plays a major role at Battelle. Clothing to protect against chemical warfare, computer systems to automate and control field
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