varieties. Gene and protein sequences feature
most frequently in invention disclosures, followed
by seeds, germplasm and plant varieties.
Sixty-three respondents sent research tools/
materials to academia, with an overall average
of 17 each over the five years. Sixty-two received
tools from other academics, with an average of
9.5 per respondent. Tools sent to industry averaged
1.2 per respondent, with 23 respondents
sending at least one, and tools received averaged
1.6 per respondent, with 31 recipients. Thus,
the sample, though of modest size, represents a
wealth of experience, on both sides, of exchanging
research tools with their peers in academia
and industry, forging links to industry and dealing
with the patenting process.