What The Andersons, a diversified company with interests in the grain, ethanol, and plant nutrient sectors of U.S. agriculture, as well as in railcar leasing and repair, turf products production, industrial products, and general merchandising has learned from working with several universities, notably The Ohio State University (OSU) is this: “We are having an extremely positive experience working with universities, but it has required an ongoing discussion of what is of value to us from the university and was isn’t,” said Charlie Carr, Manager, Business Development for Plant Nutrients. “Some of this has been due to a lack of real-world experience from some university researchers; they have academic experience and knowledge, and that has to combine with our business experience to make the outcome of the relationship more positive.”

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) just received a big boost to the tune of $270 000 in Ohio Third Frontier funds to support its research in designing and testing structures and materials for composite wind turbine towers up to almost 400 ft. in height. These proposed fiberglass reinforced resin monoliths that will stand as much as 65 feet taller than the steel towers currently dotting wind farms around the world.