Across Florida State University, faculty, staff and students are taking part in exciting research and creative work. The third annual FSU Discovery Days, held Oct. 18-25, was an opportunity to celebrate those endeavors and to highlight the ways that research is having an impact.
The weeklong showcase introduced a new center that will use food and nutrition as the solution to human health, highlighted resources for entrepreneurs and researchers looking to partner with each other, featured research presentations from students and more.
“Research at Florida State University is making a difference in Florida and beyond,” said FSU Vice President for Research Stacey S. Patterson. “Discovery Days is an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate the research and creative enterprise across our campus.”
More than 2,500 people attended Discovery Days. Here’s a look at some featured events:
BUILDING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE IN FLORIDA
Discovery Days started with a focus on health. “FSU Health Expo: Bridging Community, Health and Research,” held Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Wakulla County Community Center, brought together FSU researchers and community organizations for an event to support public health and wellness.
More than 50 organizations, including the Wakulla Senior Center, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic, the Alzheimer’s Project and more, attended to offer resources and information. Visitors participated in free health screenings, attended presentations from FSU researchers whose work translates into better health outcomes, and connected with resources in their community.
The week continued with more health-focused events. Clinical Catalyst invited regional healthcare providers to present challenges from their practices, sparking collaborative research opportunities with FSU faculty.
A new FSU research center, the Institute for Connecting Nutrition and Health, or ICON-Health, introduced its leading researchers and invited faculty from around the university to consider how they could partner on research into the far-reaching issues affected by nutrition.
Professor Regan Bailey speaks at the ICON-Health nutrition symposium. (Bill Lax/University Marketing)
“Through research and education, we are hoping to reduce the burden of chronic disease on people and lower their economic impact,” said Regan Bailey, a professor of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine and director of ICON-Health. “There’s a commitment from FSU leadership to bring nutrition to the forefront. That is what is going to catalyze all these different relationships and collaborations across campus. That’s our goal at ICON-Health, to connect disparate researchers with common goals, so we can leverage opportunities and research dollars to make the most impact.”
LAUNCHPAD FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Along with presenting FSU’s projects and partnerships in healthcare, the week was an opportunity to show how the university is working with businesses to expand the impact of research.
The IGNITE Tallahassee Grand Opening unveiled a business incubator designed to serve as a launchpad for entrepreneurship, research and technology development.
The facility, located in Innovation Park, is a headquarters to help high-tech ventures develop from research into successful real-world companies. It provides tenants with specialized lab space, advanced equipment and business development expertise to accelerate growth, support innovation and boost the local economy.
At the grand opening, university leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs and community members met to learn more about the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.