NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Innovators Valued for Technological Contributions

The world would be a much different place if Thomas A. Edison had never commercialized the electric light bulb. By sharing this technology, Edison revolutionized the principles of electricity and improved the quality of life.

In the spirit of Edison's creativity and perseverance, Glenn's Technology Transfer and Partnership (TTP) Office recognized the value of NASA Glenn innovators with an awards breakfast at OAI on June 1.

Image right: sitting, left to right, Dr. Bruan, Dr. Meador, Maturo, and standing, left to right, Schmidt, Comstock and Stauber enjoy some conversation after the breakfast. Credit: NASA/Marvin Smith

Staff Director of NASA's Inventions and Contributions Board, Tony Maturo, applauded award recipients for their creativity and energy, as well as their persistence in pressing on with their research. "You turn a 'can't do' into a 'can do' and for that you truly deserve the title of innovator," he said.

Employees whose technologies were distinguished through awards in the areas of Space Act (Tech Briefs, patent application, software release and board actions, including Invention of the Year and Software of the Year), Federal Laboratory Consortium Midwest Regional, Most Promising Partnership, Gate II, NASA Illinois Commercialization Coalition and TTP Seed Fund over fiscal year 2006 received special certificates at the breakfast.

Doug Comstock, director of NASA's Innovative Partnership Program Office, thanked the honorees for their contributions and stressed the importance of technology transfer for the innovator and the agency. "It's vital that you report your technology and make that technology available within and outside the agency."

Federal regulations designed to record and protect NASA's intellectual property investments require Glenn inventors to report new technology. This begins the process to identify the technology's potential commercial applications through a NASA Form 1679.

"Reporting new technology can open up a world of possibilities for innovators," explained Laurel Stauber, Glenn's Award liaison officer, TTP. "In addition to patents, various NASA Space Act Awards carry significant monetary payoffs. The Inventions and Contributions Board, for example, awards up to $100,000,00 without Congressional approval based on scientific and technical contributions to the agency, and there is no statute of limitations."

Stauber noted that Glenn's Dr. Don Braun, Aeropropulsion Division, serves on the Inventions and Contributions Board. In addition, Dr. Maryann Meador, Durability and Protective Coatings Branch, will be appointed to the board this month.

George Schmidt, deputy director of Glenn's Research and Technology Directorate, encouraged Glenn scientists, engineers, researchers and program managers to "keep technology flowing."

"Although much emphasis is being placed on development, innovation has to continue," he said. "Research is the heart and soul of this center and will continue to be so for many years to come."

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By Doreen B. Zudell