UW: Open for Business
Fall 2008
Each quarter, visit this Web page to find some of the most important news about research commercialization, partnerships, start-ups, and other ways the University of Washington is building relationships with Washington businesses and helping strengthen our state's economy.
Profiles in Partnership
IBM & UW: Harnessing Computer Power to Conquer Hunger
IBM and UW computational biologists are joining forces to help feed the hungry through a project called Nutritious Rice for the World. It works like this: The IBM-sponsored World Community Grid will harness the unused and donated power from nearly one million individual computers, and UW scientists will use that power to study rice at the protein level and identify which proteins produce more rice grains, ward off pests, resist disease, and hold more nutrients. Read more in the BusinessWeek article.
Top Dawgs
Meet Richard Ladner and Jeffrey Bingham
Ubiquitous Internet access is more the rule than the exception these days. For the visually impaired, however, this kind of access has been limited to devices with screen readers already installed. Now, thanks to the work of Richard Ladner, Jeffrey Bigham, and their colleagues, there is WebAnywhere: a Web-based screen reader that can be used on any device that has Internet access and a sound card. This software is just one example of how the UW's CSE-driven research and outreach—such as MobileASL and AccessComputing—will help organizations find affordable ways to be more accessible and increase the productivity and mobility of their disabled employees.
Discoveries & Opportunities
Improving Productivity with Mobile Technology
UW researchers are working with Seattle Public Utilities to determine how wireless and mobile technology can improve the productivity and job satisfaction of field workers.
A Unique Sustainable Fuels Project
UW doctoral students and faculty are teaming up with local Native American tribes to transform local forestry and agricultural waste into plant-based fuels.
Executive Education in Information Management
The Information School offers a part-time Master of Science in Information Management program for working professionals. Learn more at an info session.
The Inside Story
Husky Stadium Renovation: Making the Case for Public Funding
In the nine months since the University first announced plans to seek public funding to help pay for renovations and repairs to Husky Stadium, we have heard quite a few questions and concerns from Washington state taxpayers. Their questions are very good ones, and they deserve answers. In this article, we address the most commonly asked ones, such as why we don't just get donors to pay for everything or why the Huskies can't just play at Qwest Field instead?