Research Needs

Transfer and utilization of faculty research outcomes requires partnerships between UB and the private sector. To foster partnership, UB Trade is working with the WNY Health Care Industry Association to: identify critical technology needs; introduce manufacturers to ongoing UB research; create a web-based gateway; and establish forums for discussion between the university research community and the private sector.

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology Transfer facilitates the transfer of technology and the introduction of products that meet important needs of people with disabilities and the elderly. Among its activities, the T2RERC has conducted market research for the mobility, hearing, vision, communication and educational technologies; and critical technology needs identified for each market. The T2RERC has worked with hundreds of assistive technology and mainstream manufacturers and is an active member of the Assistive Technology Industry Association.

The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) is dedicated to improving the design of environments and products by making them more usable, safer and appealing to people with a wide range of abilities through their life spans. IDEA embraces the concept of universal design, or design of places and products that are usable by and desirable to a broad range of people, including people with disabilities and other often overlooked groups. IDEA provides resources and technical expertise in architecture, product design, facilities management and the social and behavioral sciences to further these agendas. IDEA has significant experience working with the private sector on the design of products, buildings, and environments.