The University of South Florida launched the Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions on May 20, 2005, thanks to a generous gift from Tampa cardiologist and entrepreneur, Dr. Kiran C. Patel.

The Patel Center continues to refine the strategic plan its Faculty Advisory Board adopted in May 2006. Implementation of that plan will assist the Center in reaching its vision of becoming the premier organization for facilitating solutions to today's most pressing global problems. While many research institutions and public and private sector innovators provide outstanding theory, advice and technologies on how to deal with global issues of importance, the Patel Center's goal is to go one step further: we promote the transfer of new discoveries to on-the-ground realities. This may take the form of: bringing up new techniques or technologies, or converting already existing techniques or technologies, in a way that is appropriate for developing countries; working with communities to enhance their educational and training programs; or, providing policymakers with unique, yet practical, advice for effecting change. We recognize, however, that in order for our recommendations to be successful, we must have a deep understanding of the communities in which we want to work and we must involve on-the-ground partners. In all of our work, we strive to find comprehensive solutions that cross disciplinary boundaries and that will ultimately be self-sustaining.

In order to catalyze the development and application of solutions throughout the world, the Patel Center is establishing partnerships with a variety of agents of change, including: industry, governments, international aid and lending institutions, and private and public foundations. In addition to supporting technology-based solutions for the world's poor, the Patel Center will offer new policy options for effective engagement with a globalizing world. By adopting a long-term approach to issues, thereby allowing governments to anticipate trends, the Patel Center will develop proactive strategies and create mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Patel Center builds upon the strengths of the University of South Florida Globalization Research Center (GRC) . The Patel Center has maintained participation in the networks built by the GRC, including the Globalization Research Network with the University of Hawaii-Manoa; the University of California - Los Angeles and George Washington University. Together, the four centers developed a Global Studies Network with over 70 comparable centers and institutes worldwide. Within Florida , the Patel Center participates in the Florida Network for Global Studies . The Patel Center will also continue to work with faculty, researchers, staff and students across the University's campuses, colleges, departments, and programs. We also hope to develop partnerships with other USF centers1.

In its role at the University of South Florida , the Patel Center will guide future problem solving and education in Florida and around the world. The Patel Center will support educational opportunities at the graduate, undergraduate, and secondary education levels.

The Patel Center has been made possible by a gift worth $34.5 million, including the state match, from Drs. Kiran C. and Pallavi Patel. The University will leverage the gift, which is the single largest in USF's history, to fund a new building and create an endowment to build and sustain the $62.5 million Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions. For more information about the Patels and their generous gift, visit News at USF or explore the following:

Drs. Kiran C. & Pallavi Patel Biography
The Patel Foundation for Global Understanding
Dr. Kiran C. Patel Center for Global Solutions brochure