The air we breathe indoors, the communities we live in, the genetic blueprints of people, plants and animals, and the materials we use to make products: These are among the things researchers at the University of Oregon seek to understand.
Nearly two decades ago, Portland State University embraced a new approach to education — one that made the community an active partner in the classroom. Students and faculty put theory to practice and work with businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and government agencies to solve real problems facing our region.
Oregon Health & Science University’s Technology Transfer and Business Development team completed a record number of industry-sponsored research agreements, 118, during fiscal 2011. Those agreements provided more than $12 million in awards for scientists, the highest amount recorded by the university’s research community. In the past five years, industry-sponsored research has resulted in more than $44 million in awards from more than 475 completed agreements.
Originally published by oregonbusiness.com

Birth control methods typically work in one of two ways. The first is via physical obstruction, and the second is through manipulation of biological systems. Now researchers at OHSU are developing a new female contraceptive that combines both.
Oregon State University earned $42 million in grants and contracts during September, a record for the University.
Pacific Northwest forests may not be as healthy as they look, researchers say.
Originally published by oregonbusiness.com

Richard Taylor, a University of Oregon professor of physics, art and psychology, is putting his combined talents to work on a microchip to help people who have lost their sight see again.
Bob and Charlee Moore, the founders of Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, have pledged $25 million to the Oregon Health and Science University to spur nutrition and wellness research.
The National Science Foundation awarded an Oregon green chemistry center a $20 million grant to develop greener chemical processes.
Some breast cancer research funded by Komen Race for the Cure takes place in Oregon, including recent findings on the benefits of exercise.