ARLINGTON, Va., July 9, 2002 -- Whitaker investigators have created more than 200 products and devices---including heart-assist pumps, defibrillators, and tools for image-guided surgery---and started more than 100 health technology companies over the past 27 years, according to a foundation survey.

In April, the foundation surveyed 1,220 biomedical engineers who had received funding under the foundation's Biomedical Engineering Research Grants program since it began in 1976. About half responded.

Preliminary results show that investigators have created 154 medical devices and 98 healthcare products. Some of these are for clinical use and others for research. Investigators have also begun 101 companies, obtained 278 patents and granted 125 intellectual property licenses.

Twenty-six investigators reported having been responsible for new products, devices, patents, licenses and a company start-up.

Results of the survey are still being assessed, but preliminary findings also show that:

• Most investigators continue to hold an appointment in an academic biomedical engineering program or department.
  
• Whitaker investigators have supported more than 13,000 biomedical engineering students at all educational levels.
  
• Almost all investigators have continued to advance the work they began under their Whitaker-sponsored research project.
  
• Since receiving Whitaker support, many investigators have been supported by multiple funding agencies. The majority have received follow-up funding primarily from the NIH.
  
• Most investigators consult with industry, at least occasionally.

This is the second survey the foundation has conducted with its investigators. The first was conducted in 1996. A third and final survey is planned for 2005.

Click here for a PDF of the preliminary report.

Contact:
Mark Bowman, Whitaker Foundation