Background of FRD

The MUSC Foundation for Research Development (MUSC-FRD) is a non-profit, charitable foundation created to benefit The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) by establishing relationships which bring ideas, technology, and expertise of the faculty, staff, and students at MUSC to industry and, ultimately, into public use. In order to accomplish this goal, the Foundation develops, administers, and otherwise facilitates selected industry sponsored education and research projects and manages the intellectual property, technology transfer, and other economic development-related activities of MUSC.

When access to certain intellectual and/or physical research-related resources of MUSC are sought by new or existing companies, FRD will endeavor to make such resources available through subcontracts with specific individuals or resources at MUSC. These relationships can include consulting, access to MUSC equipment, research and development contracts, and/or clinical studies.

With respect to intellectual property management and technology transfer, the Foundation carries out the traditional functions which include innovation; identification; scientific, legal, and business opportunity evaluation; intellectual property protection, where appropriate; marketing; and the negotiation and management of option, license, and/or sale agreements.

The MUSC Foundation for Research Development is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives of industry and civic leaders as well as the MUSC Board of Trustees, administrators, and faculty.