[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 17 (Thursday, February 2, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO 
                               INNOVATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2012

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
important contribution United States educational institutions have made 
to innovation and discovery and to congratulate the 13 American 
universities who were on the list of the top 300 organizations to 
receive patents from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2010.
  I am honored to represent one of these universities, the University 
of South Florida, USF, whose researchers and students were awarded 83 
patents that year. Founded in 1956, USF is currently comprised of four 
member institutions, located in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-
Manatee, and Lakeland, FL. One of Florida's leading academic 
institutions, USF is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the 
Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities, a 
distinction attained by only 2.2 percent of all universities.
  The patents awarded to USF in 2010 cover a wide range of disciplines 
and could potentially lead to better health care, new fuel cell 
technologies, improved air purification systems and even future 
amusement park rides. USF also distinguishes itself as the second most 
efficient university in research expenditures per patent. This means 
that USF effectively uses their limited research funding in the 
development of new patentable products. The University's focus on 
quality research is a major component in the growth of new industries 
in the Tampa Bay area and I am glad that their important work is being 
recognized.
  USF has shown a commitment to encouraging innovation not only on 
their campus, but also throughout the academic community and, in 2010, 
founded the National Academy of Inventors, NAI. Upon founding, 131 
members joined as Charter Members and since then 24 affiliate chapters 
have been founded at higher learning institutions around the world, 
with over 500 individual members. The researchers at our colleges and 
universities often do not receive the attention they deserve and this 
non-profit organization works to recognize researchers at universities 
and their affiliated institutions who translate their findings into 
inventions that may benefit society.
  Since the establishment of our Nation, the United States has 
recognized the important role that innovation plays in growth and 
development. Our Nation's Founders were wise enough to include 
protection for intellectual property rights in Article 1, Section 8 of 
the United States Constitution and every day new advances are being 
made throughout the country that may one day improve our quality of 
life, spur economic growth, and lead to new technologies. We must 
continue to support institutions like USF that promote and encourage 
advances in research, especially when it leads to the awarding of new 
patents.
  I am privileged to represent the students, teachers, and faculty at 
USF and extend my congratulations to the University's current and 
future patent holders. I ask my colleagues to join with me today in 
recognizing their achievements and wish USF continued success in the 
future.

                          ____________________