Research: a systematic investigation designed to contribute to generalizable knowledge.

Institutional Review Board (IRB): a group comprised of scientific and non-scientific individuals that acts as a neutral third party in the review of proposed research and that ensures the rights of research participants are protected.  Specific federal regulations govern the conduct of IRBs.

Human subject: a living individual about whom an investigator conducting research obtains: (1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual; or (2) identifiable private information.

Innovation: the successful implementation of creative ideas within an organization.

Technology transfer: a process by which the originator of an innovative idea advances the idea through collaboration with another party that will further develop and commercialize the idea.