WRAL Tech Wire

RTI exec: New group will 'elevate importance' of health initiatives

Veteran RTI executive Barbara Kennedy, who leads the new Global Health Group, says the reorganization "is a reflection of the importance RTI places on the global health needs of high risk populations, especially those most vulnerable such as women and children."

RTI forms business group focusing on health, adds some staff

The reorganization combines more than 400 staff into a Global Health Group that will be led by veteran RTI executive Barbara Kennedy. Some staff has been added. The group will be based in RTP.

RTI gets $2M to study STEM learning environments

The National Science Foundation recently issued seven grants - worth about $5 million in total - to support research projects intended to "transform" STEM learning. The Research Triangle Institute was one of the recipients.

RTI to study effectiveness of genetic-based personalized healthcare

The federal government provides nearly $750,000 in funding over two years to study whether new medical technologies work and if they are cost effective.

RTI wins $60M federal contract to evaluate health initiatives

Staff from the RTP-based research institute will monitor 61 programs funded by the CDC over the next seven years. NC's Department of Health received one of the CDC grants.

RTI to launch new forensic lab center with $6M grant

The Forensic Science Technology Center of Excellence is funding by the National Institute of Justice.

Triangle Global Health Consortium names executive director

The group, founded by several Triangle area universities and organizations, aims to help improve health through a broad range of initiatives.

RTI International lands $4 million in federal biofuel project funding

The Department of Energy awards $12 million for development and production of so-called "drop-in biofuels" to augment or replace petroleum products.

RTI spinoff Ziptronix signs tech licensing deal with Sony

The deal involves patents for use in bonding technology that enhances digital imaging.

Ziptronix bonding technology in process.

NCSU, RTI land $25M virus research contract

A consortium of 13 universities and other organizations receive federal funding to find better ways to combat noroviruses, which cause more than 5 million cases of food-borne illness each year

U.S. News hospital rankings make everyone a winner

Analysis: Health systems and academics grouse about the unfairness of the rankings (truth be told: they're not the best measure of hospitals' care, but they are an excellent measure of hospitals' reputation). But those complaints have grown increasingly quiet and have given way to acceptance and spin.

NCTA founder Betsy Justus leaves behind a strong legacy

The founding president of the NC Technology Association and one of the state's female pioneers in technology, loses her battle with cancer.

Joan Myers, left, and Betsy Justus

Pappas Ventures executive is new chair of CED board

RTI wins $1.7M federal grant for lighting research

Scientists will look for ways to improve the light fixture and components for solid-state lighting such as light-emitting diodes.

RTI, Cree land $1.6 million federal grants for lighting research

The Energy Department picks the two Triangle firms for development of energy-saving light solutions, such as LEDs. In all, the new round of grants totals nearly $15 million.