Duke U., Verizon Tackle Health IT

Mobile health IT technology is the focus of a new research partnership between the nation's largest wireless company and a prestigious private university.

Duke University and Verizon's health-care business, Verizon Connected Healthcare Solutions, announced on Wednesday plans to "focus on projects that leverage the inherent value of advanced communications technologies." Initial projects include mobile health applications and consumer health-care education.

"The ties between academia and technology companies run long and deep, and this collaboration underscores Verizon's commitment to enabling the transformation of U.S. health care delivery through the common-sense application of health IT," Peter Tippett, vice president of Verizon Connected Healthcare Solutions, said in a Verizon news release.

Verizon said it will provide computing infrastructure for analytical processing and modeling, along with technical-development resources. The Durham, N.C.-based university will leverage its vast research and educational program development capabilities, along with intellectual property expertise.

A scientific advisory board with members from both organizations will review and guide progress of initiatives throughout the multiyear agreement, according to the news release. Duke and Verizon plan both technical and business collaborations, including an internship program for Duke students to work on initiatives as employees of Verizon.