December 2, 2013 Joint Release: NGDI and UILO
The University of British Columbia has made another major commitment to tackling neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and tuberculosis through signing up as a member of WIPO Re:Search.
As a “provider” member, UBC has committed to sharing research discoveries, outputs and know-how with other groups and companies striving to find treatments for diseases affecting the world’s least developed nations. Technologies, data, compounds and know-how can all be contributed to WIPO RE:Search, a searchable, public database of available intellectual property assets and resources, and provided at no cost to other members in order to tackle the different diseases in countries where these treatments are most needed. Beyond the sharing of resources, however, WIPO Re:Search is designed to spark new collaborations and partnerships between researchers at the different member organizations and institutions.
This is expected to be of particular value to members of UBC’s Neglected Global Diseases Initiative, (NGDI) formed in 2010 to develop interventions for neglected diseases and ensure their delivery to those in need. Involving over 35 researchers from five different faculties, the NGDI encourages and facilitates multidisciplinary research for these complex issues.
UBC’s commitment to providing global access to relevant technologies was first formally expressed in 2007, when it became the first university in Canada to publish Global Access Principles. In April 2013, its commitment and activities in this area were recognized with the top ranking in the first University Global Health Impact Report Card, produced by the student-based group Universities Allied for Essential Medicines (UAEM).
WIPO Re:Search was formed in 2011 through the efforts of several of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and BIO Ventures for Global Health.
NGDI will be meeting with representatives from BIO Ventures for Global Health in early February. If you would like to be in the meeting, please contact Jocelyn via jocelyn.conway@ubc.ca.