|
Rank: 41
Why They Matter: The magic of open-source lies in the notion that patents and other intellectual property rights aren't always the most effective incentives to promote innovation. The idea has been proven out in the software world, but it's now spreading to other, arguably more important realms, such as pharmaceutical research. And for that, Maurer and Sali deserve much of the credit. These two academics launched the Tropical Disease Initiative to organize computational biologists working on cures for ailments like malaria, tuberculosis, and dengue fever. The results will be put in the public domain, where clinical researchers can use them to guide their own work. Big Pharma likes the idea as well: Though there have been no formal announcements yet, some of the most prominent names in the industry are already donating laboratory resources to support the effort.Stephen Maurer and Andrej Sali Adjunct associate professor, University of California at Berkeley, and professor, University of California at San Francisco |
| NEXT» |