Research Translation Core

 


The Research Translation Core of the Iowa Superfund Basic Research Program (isbrp) is well integrated with the entire program, both thematically and organizationally. Much remains unknown about the volatilization, transport and exposure of lower-halogenated PCBs, especially those associated with contaminated waters, dredging of waterways, and other atmospheric sources, and until recently, governmental bodies have had no impetus for oversight or regulation related to these environmental contaminants.

The major activities of this Core, therefore, are designed to optimize opportunities for translating the findings of the isbrp research projects into meaningful outcomes that will benefit the public at large. These outcomes will be translated in a variety of ways to a wide and diverse constituency.
research translation graphic
Outcomes from the research conducted under isbrp projects will be translated into state-of-the art reports about the risks of PCBs in the environment, which will be published in scientific and/or medical journals for access by the academic research community. The information will also be shared with government agencies so that in the future, policymakers will be better equipped to implement environmental improvement measures. An additional outcome is the germination of new communication between scientists and the lay public on concerns around the presence, effects, and remediation of PCBs in the environment.

Investigators will also engage with entities within the public sector, such as the Environmental Protection Agency and representatives of industry with interests in the management of PCB generation and remediation. Finally, several projects and cores, chiefly #4, #6 and the three Research Support Cores, have significant potential for technology innovation and transfer, with the possible development of new inventions, such as measurement models, sampling techniques, exposure generation and control technologies, or the creation of novel PCB mixtures and metabolites.

Personnel

Peter S. Thorne, PhD, Core Leader
Dr. Thorne is responsible for supervising all aspects of research translation, including monitoring the development of new innovations that arise as a result of isbrp research, facilitating the exchange of information and resources to isbrp stakeholders, working with the University of Iowa Research Foundation to ensure that the legal and creative interests of the isbrp are secured, and identifying potential partners in industry and government.

David Osterberg, MS, Core Co-leader
Mr. Osterberg is directly involved in the planning of all Core activities and will take specific responsibility for liaison work with governmental partners, including local, state, regional and national representatives, Region VII, EPA and others.