Where does Research Corporation for Science Advancements funding come from?
Research Corporation for Science Advancement’s funds were initially derived from proceeds resulting from the electrostatic precipitator, the pollution-control device invented by its founder, Frederick Gardner Cottrell, and from inventions contributed by public-spirited scientists. The foundation was established solely with Dr. Cottrell’s patent rights, making it necessary to first build a business designing and installing precipitators before funds for awards could be accumulated. This pollution control business was later sold, creating an endowment for Research Corporation. Additional funds for Research Corporation grants were provided in the past by the proceeds from inventions contributed by public-spirited scientists. These inventions included the first antifungal antibiotic (nystatin) donated by Elizabeth Hazen and Rachel Brown (1951); royalties from the commercial synthesis of vitamin B1 contributed by Robert R. Williams and Robert E. Waterman (1935); the patent on the maser-lase
