Smith & Nephew Plc. (Smith & Nephew) said that its Orthopaedics Reconstruction Division has entered into a grant administration agreement with the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF). As per the terms of agreement, Smith & Nephew's first with a third-party administrator of grants, OREF will assist Smith & Nephew in continuing its long-standing support of research and education in orthopaedics.
As per the agreement, OREF will help Smith & Nephew establish its annual research and education support goals, ensure the highest standards of professionalism and independence for distribution of those funds, and provide regular reports on the results of those donations, including a detailed annual summary of donation distribution.
“Smith & Nephew is dedicated to the advancement of orthopaedic innovation, education and patient care,” said Joseph M. DeVivo, pPresident of Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Reconstruction & Trauma Division. “Formalizing our relationship with OREF allows Smith & Nephew to continue supporting orthopaedic research and education in a comprehensive way while working with an organization dedicated to its mission, independence, and integrity. OREF’s history of working productively with many orthopaedic societies and institutions makes this an especially good choice.”
“This agreement benefits Smith & Nephew, orthopaedic researchers and educators, and most importantly, the patients who rely on quality orthopaedic care,” said William Cooney, chairman of the board of trustees of OREF. “This agreement will facilitate industry support for critical research and educational programs and will serve as a model for other corporations seeking to support orthopaedic research and education while avoiding conflicts of interest. We are very proud of OREF’s long-standing commitment to the orthopaedic specialty, and are especially pleased to work with Smith & Nephew to move into a new era of service.”