COLUMBUS, OH (December 18, 2001) – Governor Bob Taft today announced that 16 research proposals were submitted for the first cycle of the Biomedical Research and Technology Transfer (BRTT) Commission’s Partnership Award program requesting $144 million in total funds. “This is an encouraging response to our efforts to expand Ohio as a leader in developing new knowledge and technology,” Taft said. “This demonstrates the vitality of Ohio’s biomedical community and the promise it holds for creating new opportunities for our state and citizens.” Of the proposals submitted, eight were from Ohio’s research universities and eight from Ohio-based commercial enterprises. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating a cogent collaborative effort between a university and a commercial partner. This emphasis on collaboration that differentiates the Ohio’s Partnership Awards from other competing states, and offers the greatest opportunity to enhance Ohio’s growing biomedical industry. A comprehensive peer review and evaluation process will screen proposals early in 2002. Proposals selected for funding will be those that offer the greatest benefit to Ohioans. The BRTT Commission plans to announce Partnership Award Grants in June. The BRTT Commission was established by the General Assembly in early 2000 to oversee the allocation of part of the funds coming to Ohio from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. The BRTT Commission is charged to assess the current programs of biomedical research and technology transfer in Ohio, with special reference to the capacity to create jobs and improve the health of Ohio’s citizens. Results of the assessments will guide the Commission in the award of grants to public and private research institutions for biomedical research and technology transfer. Associated documents can be found on the BRTTC website at www.regents.state.oh.us/brtt.