Innovation Ecosystem

Creation

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Colleges & Departments

Often, the sparks of OU innovation can be traced back to the offices and labs of our faculty, staff, and students. With over 3,500 faculty and 20 colleges, invention comes from all fields across our campuses. Combining plentiful curiosity, a drive to make lasting contributions, and abundant support from their college and departmental leadership, OU researchers question convention and work to develop a diverse portfolio of new discoveries. These insights, forged through years of experimentation, persistence, and patience, form the foundation of OU innovation, and combine with other university resources as they move toward commercialization.

Researchers

The Office of the Vice President for Research (VPR)

Throughout the research journey, the Office of the Vice President for Research stewards the creation and dissemination of new knowledge. Working alongside researchers, the VPR connects them with funding opportunities, aids in the development of strategic research trajectories, submits proposals and manages grants, and facilitates both internal and external collaborations. Specifically, the Center for Applied Research and Development (CARD), a part of the VPR, focuses on translational research across all disciplines, and engages with industry, government, and other stakeholders to provide partnerships for applied research. Additionally, the VPR coordinates outside the university with groups such as i2E and the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, plus federal agencies, to secure commercialization-focused grants. With robust offices both in Norman and at the Health Sciences Center, the VPR is vital in supporting ideas as they grow into invention.