The UNT College of Science wishes to recognize our corporate sponsors and partners who have made major contributions to the research and educational missions of the college by offering them exclusive membership in the COS Corporate Advisory Board (CAB). To launch this innovative new board project, the College of Science Research and Graduate Studies Office hosted a Corporate Relations Day during last week's Honor's Day festivities, giving prospective corporate participants a chance to learn more about the initiative and collaborate with the College on ideas for the future.

The event included presentations by Dr. Guido Verbeck, chemistry professor, researcher, and interim Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, and COS Dean Su Gao. Guests were treated to breakfast and poster session presentations from graduate students, allowing potential corporate partners to ask questions and learn more about the research happening here at UNT.

The COS-CAB members will also be referred to as Eagle Affiliates of the college. The Eagle Affiliate status allows the corporate affiliate and its members a direct line to collaboration with COS research and educational programs. The funds provided by the Eagle Affiliate in the form of a gift can be given to a specific project that either supports COS students or advances research in an area of mutual interest for both the affiliate and the COS faculty. A multi-year gift of $50,000 per year for at least two years qualifies the affiliate for the Eagle status. A one-time gift of $100,000 qualifies the affiliate for the Eagle status for three years.

Among the many companies who joined the College for the launch of this project were Intel, Texas Instruments, InspectIR, Cotton Inc., SS BioTech, Conagen, LacoreLabs, Magnolia Optical Technologies, and Tokyo Electron. Any representatives interested in discussing a corporate partnership and board membership with the College of Science are encouraged to contact Matt Bethea or Meghan Dours for more information. Together we can make a difference.

Benefits to Joining the Corporate Advisory Board

• Access to pre-competitive and pre-published research within the interest of the affiliate
• First option to negotiate an exclusive or non-exclusive license to new intellectual property developed through funded projects
• Access to internal shared facility fees at the university reduced rate
• A reduced indirect cost rate at 30%instead of the current 48.5%
• Eagle Affiliates and UNT collectively decide on the specific project objectives and how the funds will be used
• Invitation to participate in UNT events such as graduate and undergraduate job fairs and corporate relations research talks and poster sessions
• COS will assist in recruiting qualified students and/or interns for internships or employment opportunities
• Opportunity to participate in SBIR/STTR funding opportunities with faculty and institute research initiatives as well as other federal and state grant corporate programs