AUTM on the Air

AUTM
AUTM on the Air

AUTM on the AIR is the weekly podcast that brings you conversations about the impact of research commercialization and the people who make it happen. Join us for interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders on the issues and trends that matter most.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Redefining DEI in Innovation: Lily Zheng on the FAIR Framework for Tech Transfer

    What happens when workplace equity efforts get lost in performative gestures? Today we’re talking about the conventional approach to workplace equity and the DEI landscape. As organizations face growing political pressure and increasing scrutiny of DEI programs, a more effective and outcome-driven approach has never been more urgent. Lily Zheng is a strategist, consultant and author who helps build fair, accessible, inclusive and representative organizations. They are the creator of the FAIR framework which has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and their book Fixing Fairness will be out soon. In this conversation, Lily will break down the limitations of traditional DEI models and why the FAIR framework (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, Representation) is a more defensible and better way to go. We’ll get into the four core principles of FAIR: outcomes, systems, coalitions and win-win solutions and how they provide a strategic foundation for lasting change in the workplace. This is especially timely for university tech transfer offices. With new federal directives calling into question DEI initiatives in research funding, many institutions are scrambling to adapt without sacrificing their core values of inclusivity and innovation. Lily will give practical advice on how to navigate this, reframe programs to stay compliant without losing impact. In This Episode: [01:47] Lily suggests the FAIR Framework to replace DEI. They wanted to set apart effective DEI work from the fluff. The plan was to distill what did work and what didn't and packed what did work into a new framework. [04:50] FAIR speaks to the goal of the work. The letters stand for fairness, access, inclusion, and representation. [05:24] There are four principles behind the framework including outcomes, systems, coalitions, and win-win. [07:38] DEI turned into splintered single issue causes.  [08:39] We are stronger together, and coalitions are a hallmark of DEI work. [01:47] Lily suggests the FAIR Framework to replace DEI. They wanted to set apart effective DEI work from the fluff. The plan was to distill what did work and what didn't and packed what did work into a new framework. [04:50] FAIR speaks to the goal of the work. The letters stand for fairness, access, inclusion, and representation. [05:24] There are four principles behind the framework including outcomes, systems, coalitions, and win-win. [07:38] DEI turned into splintered single issue causes.  [08:39] We are stronger together, and coalitions are a hallmark of DEI work. [20:33] Tech Transfer offices can focus on FAIR and understand the law. Follow the law and make any necessary adjustments to your program. Defend the highly legal and effective work you are doing. [24:41] If you have to change your language, make sure you don't change your impact. [26:32] There are still great ways to be compliant. [27:57] We have more than enough capacity, skill, caring, and generosity to do this work. It's up to us to continue to sustain impact. Resources:  Lily Zheng What Comes After DEI? The FAIR Framework Reconstructing DEI: A Practitioner's Workbook Lily Zheng - LinkedIn Lily Zheng - Instagram Lily Zheng - Facebook

    30 min

  2. 26 FEB

    Defending American Science: Holden Thorp on the NIH Funding Crisis and the Future of Research

    Research doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs a foundation of stable funding, institutional support and policies that empower researchers to innovate. But today that foundation is under threat. In this episode we dive into one of the biggest problems facing American research: the NIH funding crisis. On February 7th the National Institutes of Health (NIH) slashed indirect cost reimbursements from 50-60% to 15%. This has sent shockwaves through the academic and research communities. With this policy change universities across the country are facing an unprecedented financial squeeze and are having to re-budget, slow hiring and even rethink long-term projects. Joining us today to break it all down is Dr. Holden Thorp, Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and one of the most influential people in the world of science. With a career spanning chemistry, academic leadership and biotech innovation Dr. Thorp has been Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill, Provost at Washington University in St. Louis and co-founder of Viamet Pharmaceuticals. He’s also a strong advocate for scientific integrity and the role of universities in innovation. We discuss how this funding issue may transform the US research scene, ranging from how it may affect universities to the potential of brain drain as top researchers consider migrating to Europe or China where funding is more stable. We address the lawsuit challenging the NIH policy and how uncertainty is already delaying significant projects such as Johns Hopkins' $330 million neuroscience facility and critical maternal health initiatives. Dr. Thorp discusses whether universities should rely more on industrial relationships, or if this risks diluting curiosity-driven research. We also discuss how universities, organizations, and state governments might work together to put pressure on Congress and find strategic solutions.  In This Episode: [01:17] Explanation of the NIH’s February 7th directive, which capped indirect cost reimbursements at 15% instead of the usual 50–60%. [02:05] Dr. Thorp breaks down the difference between direct and indirect research costs, using a cooking analogy to explain how universities rely on indirect cost recovery for infrastructure, lab maintenance, and tech transfer operations. [04:12] How the federal government and universities developed a shared-cost model for research after World War II to encourage curiosity-driven discoveries. [05:40] How funding uncertainty affects long-term projects. Risks to major initiatives like Johns Hopkins’ $330 million neuroscience facility and Michigan State’s maternal health programs. [06:15] Many universities borrow against future indirect costs to finance construction. The new NIH policy threatens these financial models, potentially affecting bond ratings and making future research investments more expensive. [07:32] Dr. Thorp explains how these funding cuts could drive top international researchers to Europe and China, where funding structures are more stable. [10:22] Some universities are now adding caveats to admissions letters, warning that funding isn’t guaranteed. Risks of eroding trust in academia as a stable career path. [12:29] Beyond litigation, universities must build coalitions with industry, nonprofits, and state governments to pressure Congress and prevent further damage. [16:10] They have a Trump tracker with very up-to-date funding information. It's also in the Science Advisor newsletter.  [17:15] The potential role of biotech firms and philanthropic ventures in filling funding gaps. Risks of diluting curiosity-driven research. [20:23] Many HBCUs and regional universities rely heavily on NIH funding, and these cuts could exacerbate existing inequities in research capacity. [24:28] Comparisons to the 2008 financial crisis, the 2013 sequestration, and other funding challenges. This situation is unique.  [28:45] Can protests and public pressure force change? The impact of researcher protests, bipartisan pushback in Congress, and media scrutiny.  [31:34] Dr. Thorp questions whether historically competitive universities will set aside differences and embrace shared research infrastructure and open-source models. [33:04] Young researchers should stay the course, emphasizing that science is cyclical and funding priorities will shift again. [34:53] It's important to talk about the economic impacts and issues with healthcare related to budget reductions. [37:20] The scientific community’s ability to adjust and innovate will be key to weathering this storm. Resources:  Holden Thorp, Ph.D. Dr. Holden Thorp - AAAS ScienceAdvisor Newsletter Dr. Holden Thorp - Columbian College of Arts & Sciences Dr. Holden Thorp - LinkedIn Engines of Innovation: The Entrepreneurial University in the Twenty-First Century Our Higher Calling: Rebuilding the Partnership between America and Its Colleges and Universities

    39 min

  3. 19 FEB

    From Childhood Invention to Engineering Leadership with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith

    Engineering is more than just numbers and equations—it’s about people, innovation, and solving real-world problems. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith, an engineer, educator, and entrepreneur who is shaping the future of engineering through human-centered design. From childhood inspiration to groundbreaking research, she has dedicated her career to making technology more inclusive, effective, and meaningful. Dr. Reid Smith is the Arthur L. Glenn Professor of Engineering Education and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University. She is also the founder of Jump Dreams, Inc. and leads the Research in Engineering and Interdisciplinary Design Laboratory. Her expertise spans multiple fields, including psychology, social sciences, and engineering, to create solutions that put human needs first. In this conversation, she shares her journey from a childhood invention to industry collaborations with NASA and Procter & Gamble. She offers insights into innovation, diversity, and the role of persistence in engineering breakthroughs. Join us as we talk to Dr. Reid Smith about her career, her work on diversity in STEM, and her entrepreneurial drive to bring big ideas to life whether you’re an engineer, entrepreneur, or just someone interested in how technology and design impact our world this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice. In This Episode: [01:48] The story of inventing the Double Dutch robotic device and how she became an engineer. [02:29] When studying mechanical engineering, she remembered her third-grade dream and was inspired to start sketching ideas. [03:32] She loved Double Dutch and wanted a machine that could turn ropes. [04:21] Tahira always enjoyed math and science. She excelled and decided to major in mechanical engineering. [06:49] We learn how attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute shaped her approach to engineering and innovation. [07:27] There was a culture of design and entrepreneurship, and you were encouraged to get a patent. The Maker culture was common. [08:57] We learn about human-centered design and why it's crucial. It's all about keeping the human at the center of the process. [11:40] We learn about a collaboration that Tahira worked on at Purdue that looked at thermal properties of curly hair. The human consideration was looking at heat damage that black women could experience. [14:03] Tahira breaks down how the interdisciplinary approach affects her process. It's common to bring in social science methods in design theory. Psychology and social science insights are very valuable. [17:10] How technology transfer professionals can facilitate collaborations across different academic departments. Working with an interdisciplinary team might help answer questions you couldn't do alone. [18:44] Tahira was also a teleworker at NASA from 2022 to 2021 in the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Group. [21:14] We learn about industry partnerships such as partnering with General Motors and Proctor and Gamble. Connections are helpful, but persistence is often times required. [25:09] Tahira is a co-founder of Black in Engineering. Diversity helps reduce instances of bias and blind spots. [28:55] Promoting diversity and inclusion. Be intentional when engaging with the faculty on campus. Is the database representative of the community's demographics? [30:24] Compassionate design is a framework created to help engineers think about the dignity, security, and empowerment that users ought to feel when engaging with your creation. [31:47] Ask questions about your product, such as whether it will create embarrassment or how someone will feel using it. [32:55] Tahira has over 60 articles published. Academic publishing brings credibility to the role that you're doing, primarily peer-reviewed articles. [34:15] Having published work on your idea will give you an edge when standing before investors. [35:02] We learn more about Jump Dreams, Inc.'s founding and the Double Dutch jump rope invention. [38:13] Don't just stay within the walls of your university go out and do outreach. Reach out to the younger generation and show them what's possible. [39:10] Generative AI and Artificial Intelligence are impacting everyone right now.  [40:25] Tahira is excited about a project she's working on that's designed to help the elderly and another one to help increase situational awareness for firefighters and police officers. Resources:  Dr. Tahira Reid Smith Jump Dreams, Inc The REID Lab @ Penn State Dr. Tahira Reid Smith - PennState Dr. Tahira Reid Smith - Instagram Dr. Tahira Reid Smith - Inventor Spotlight Dr. Tahira Reid Smith - LinkedIn Dr. Tahira Reid Smith - The Lemelson Foundation Black in Engineering

    43 min

  4. 12 FEB

    The Hidden Influence of Inventions on Humanity with Dr. Ainissa Ramirez

    Science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about transformation. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, an award-winning scientist, author, and science advocate who wants science to be for everyone. From her childhood of taking things apart to her work in materials science, Dr. Ramirez shares how curiosity and representation shaped her journey. Her book The Alchemy of Us explores how materials like clocks, steel rails, and copper cables advanced technology and changed human behavior in unexpected ways. We’ll talk about the unintended consequences of innovation, from how artificial light affects our health to how AI is changing the way we think. Dr. Ramirez also shares her thoughts on diversity in STEM and the power of storytelling in making science relatable. Whether you’re a scientist, an innovator, or just curious about the world around you, this episode will make you rethink technology’s place in our lives. Listen in for an interesting conversation that spans history, science, and human experience. In This Episode: [00:43] Dr. Ainissa Ramirez is an award-winning scientist, author, and passionate science communicator. [01:33] Her love for science was inspired when she was young. She loved taking things apart and asking questions. And she also loved watching the PBS program 321 Contact. [03:02] Material science is between chemistry and physics. Everything has to do with the interaction of atoms. She went on to graduate school and worked at Bell Laboratories. [04:34] Bell Laboratories is where she developed her research skills, and it took her from graduate school to the next level, where she went on to Yale. [05:49] The Alchemy of Us focuses on how eight inventions have shaped humanity. [06:28] She wants to share how important material science is to other people. She thought the best way to do that was to show the impact on humanity. [07:32] We learn about the book's origin story, which involves glass blowing. [08:27] She wanted something from history that was made possible because a specific material existed or didn't exist. Then, she added the origin story and the impact of the material. [10:19] Her favorite chapter was the last one. It's about how computers are altering the way we think.  [11:30] How looking at simple technologies will prepare us to ask questions about technology we won't be able to understand, such as AI. [12:34] Lights actually shape our health. Our bodies have a daytime mode and a nighttime mode. Shift workers working under a blue fluorescent light have their health affected. [14:09] Diverse groups make better solutions. It's important for us all to have mentors. We also need to support people interested in STEM, even if they don't have a strong background. [15:27] Representation needs to be supported with longevity. [16:39] The function of racism is a distraction. Barriers should never stop us from doing the work we're meant to do. [17:12] Technology is everywhere. We need to have an understanding of the things around us. Critical thinking and being curious are very important. [18:09] Getting people excited about science includes telling good stories and making the material accessible. [19:10] Science is a story. [20:03] Tech Transfer people are well-positioned to know what the good stories are. They not only see the science and the concept, but they also see how it's useful. [21:05] The thing in front of her is what's most exciting now. Each step was compelling. Don't study alone, and always get a tutor. Be brave and ask questions. [22:19] She has a series of children's books coming out.  Resources:  Dr. Ainissa Ramirez The Alchemy of Us Science Underground Podcast Dr. Ainissa Ramirez - LinkedIn 321 Contact

    25 min

  5. 5 FEB

    Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Technology Transfer with Megan Aanstoos, Anji Miller, and Ed Ergenzinger

    In the fast-paced world of Tech Transfer, we work to close the gap between great research and real-world impact. But behind the scenes, many of us face high pressure, high expectations, and a profession that’s often misunderstood. Today we’re breaking the silence on a critical but often overlooked issue—mental health in tech transfer. In this episode, we’ll talk about the unique challenges we face, from imposter syndrome and burnout to the stigma around mental health in the workplace. Most importantly we’ll discuss how to create a culture of well-being in Tech Transfer offices (TTOs) and what leadership can do to drive real change. Three amazing guests are joining us, and they bring diverse expertise and personal experience to this important conversation. Megan Aanstoos is the Senior Program Officer for VentureWell where she supports teams in the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) programs, an initiative at the intersection of science and social impact. Megan is also on the Board of AUTM and has led the charge on diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) education in the knowledge transfer community. Anji Miller is the Senior Academic Engagement Partner and Director of the LifeArc Fellowship Programmes. A seasoned Tech Transfer professional, Anji leads initiatives on gene therapy innovation and STEM outreach programs and is on the boards of AUTM and ASTP. As an EDI advocate, she is involved in policy engagement and skills development in tech transfer. Dr. Ed Ergenzinger, JD, PhD is a patent lawyer, neuroscientist, and adjunct professor whose personal experience with bipolar disorder has shaped his work as a mental health advocate. With over 20 years of patent law experience, Ed writes and speaks about mental health issues in the legal and tech transfer professions and has even developed a law school course on mental health and wellness. Together we’ll discuss how mental health affects productivity, what Tech Transfer can learn from other high-pressure professions like law, and why leadership matters in creating a workplace that prioritizes well-being. We’ll also talk about how the pandemic changed the conversation around mental health—and why we need to keep talking. It’s time to move beyond silence and stigma and take real steps towards a healthier tech transfer community. In This Episode: [03:46] Why mental health in Tech Transfer has received less attention than it has in other fields includes lack of infrastructure and stigma, because of the requirement to survive in a high-pressure environment. [05:25] The unique nature of tech transfer work. We talked about imposter syndrome and putting your own health at risk to excel in the profession. [07:22] We discuss parallels between mental health in tech transfer and legal professions. There are initiatives that Tech Transfer could draw from. [10:19] We discuss how poor mental health has negative effects on productivity. [13:25] Pressure is increased because there's no one to cover for the tech transfer professional. The work is so individual and specialized. [14:13] We talk about how the pandemic affected people in Tech Transfer and how it continues to affect them. [17:57] How diversity inclusion efforts can inform our approach to mental health and TTOs. [20:28] Inclusivity and making people feel valued for who they are creates a safe environment. [21:02] How TTOs can better support the mental health of their staff and people around them. [25:28] Things that TTO leaders can do to create a culture that prioritizes mental health include leading by example. [30:58] Practical strategies that TTOs can implement to promote better mental health for their employees in this current political environment. [33:01] Health and wellness programs need to be geared toward particular employees. Leaders need to listen and understand what they're going through. [43:39] It's important to remain flexible and not to put together cookie-cutter policies. [44:05] Things to look out for that might indicate a mental health challenge. [46:11] Creating an environment where someone feels safe enough to speak out about their concerns without fear of stigma or retaliation. [49:25] Megan would like to see the breaking down of the stigma that mental health isn't real health. [51:23] Ed would like to see something similar to the mindful business charter with smart meetings, respecting rest periods, and openness and respect. [52:14] Anji talks about the importance of respecting individuality to keep the best people on the team and advocate for continuous Improvement. Resources:  Megan Aanstoos - VentureWell Megan Aanstoos - LinkedIn Anji Miller - LifeArc Anji Miller - LinkedIn Dr. Ed Ergenzinger Dr. Ed Ergenzinger - LinkedIn Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in Technology Transfer Recommended reading: Books Austin D.S., “The Legal Brain: A Lawyer’s Guide to Well-being and Better Job Performance,” Cambridge University Press, (Jan. 6, 2021)   George S.J., “The Law Student’s Guide to Doing Well and Being Well,” Carolina Academic Press, (June 1, 2021) Cham J. & Godwin D. “Out of Your Mind: The Biggest Mysteries of the Human Brain,” Pantheon, (January 28, 2025)Articles “Building Your Resilience,” American Psychological Association, Feb. 1, 2020.Alexander G., “7 Therapists and Lawyers Offer Keys to Navigating the Stresses of Big Law,” Business Insider, Sep. 1, 2022.Alexander G., “Leading by Example: The Importance of Role Modeling for Lawyer Mental Health,” Law Practice Today, Jan. 5, 2023.Austin D.S., “Food for Thought: The Neuroscience of Nutrition to Fuel Cognitive Performance,” 95 Oregon L. Rev. 425 (2017).  Austin D.S., “Windmills of Your Mind: Understanding the Neurobiology of Emotion,” 54 Wake Forest Law Review 931 (2019).  Austin D.S., “Mindfulness for Lawyers: Decrease Your Stress and Improve Your Performance,” The Docket, Aug./Sep. 2017, pp. 18-19.  Cleavenger D. J. & Munyon T. P., “It’s How You Frame It: Transformational Leadership and the Meaning of Work,” 56 Bus. Horizons 351 (2013).Ergenzinger E., “Three Natural Remedies Shown to Help Depression and Anxiety,” Psychology Today, Aug. 8, 2022.Ergenzinger E., “5 Surprising Ways Gut Health Affects Mental Health,” Psychology Today, Aug. 15, 2022.Ferguson R., “It’s a Career, Not a Contest,” TYL, 27(1): Fall 2022.Ferguson R., “It Takes Strength to be Kind,” TYL, 27(3): Spring 2023.Goh J., Pfefer J., & Zenios S.A., “Workplace Stressors & Health Outcomes: Health Policy for the Workplace,” 1 Behav. Sci. & Pol. 43 (2015).Hakanen J.J. & Schaufeli W.B., “Do Burnout and Work Engagement Predict Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction? A Three-Wave Seven-Year Prospective Study,” 141 J. Affective Disorders 415 (2012).Kasdan M., “Difficult Conversations About Suicide. Towards a Better Path Forward,” The Good Men Project, Apr. 11, 2022.Kasdan M., “How In-House Counsel Can Drive Improved Mental Health in the Legal Field,” LexBlog, May 1, 2023.Kasdan M., “Attorney Mental Health and Well-Being: The Case for Change,” Practical Law, The Journal (Reuters), Oct. 2023. Lukasik D., “Too Much Depression, Too Little Sleep: 3 Things You Can Do to Get a Better Night’s Slumber,” Lawyers With Depression, Jul. 17, 2019.Lukasik D., “The Suicide of a Law Student Hits Home,” Attorney at Work, Jul. 23, 2019.Lukasik D., “How to Get Things Done When Depression Hits,” Lawyers With Depression, Oct. 15, 2019.Lukasik D., “Change Your Thinking, Change Your Anxiety and Depression,” Lawyers With Depression, Oct. 19, 2024.Lukasik D., “Treating Lawyers with Depression: One Psychologist’s Top 10 Tips,” Lawyers With Depression, Jan. 28, 2024.Lukasik D., “One Therapist’s Take on Lawyer Addiction & Mental Health,” Lawyers With Depression, Jul. 22, 2024.Nicholl E., “Work/Life Balance in the Legal Profession: Mental Health Under the Microscope,” LawCareers.Net, May 13, 2024.Ong D.T. & Ho V.T., “A Self-Determination Perspective of Strengths Use at Work: Examining Its Determinant and Performance Implications,” 11 J. Positive Psychol. 15 (2016).Reivich K.J., Seligman M.E.P., & McBride S., “Master Resilience Training in the U.S. Army,” 66 Am. Psychologist 25 (2011).Robertson I.T., Cooper C.L., Sarkar M., & Curran T., “Resilience Training in the Workplace from 2003 to 2014: A Systematic Review,” 88 J. Occupational & Org. Psychol. 533 (2015).Rountree G., “Legal Leaders, Embrace Your Role to Improve Legal Workplaces,” Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, Oct. 19, 2023.Slemp G.R. & Vella-Brodrick D.A., “Optimising Employee Mental Health: The Relationship Between Intrinsic Need Satisfaction, Job Crafting, and Employee Well-Being,” 15 J. Happiness Studies 957 (2014).Su Y-L. & Reeve J., “A Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Intervention Programs Designed to Support Autonomy,” 23 Educ. Psychol. Rev. 159 (2011).Uhl G.R., Koob G.F., & Cable J., “The Neurobiology of Addiction,” Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 1451(1):5-28 (2019).Wang J., “Work Stress as a Risk Factor for Major Depressive Episode(s),” 35 Psychol. Med. 865 (2005).ASTP Webinar on Mental Health:  https://www.astp4kt.eu/webinars/edi-sig-mental-health-in-knowledge-transfer.html

    56 min

  6. 29 JAN

    Empowering Inventors: Insights from Carmine Denisco of the United Inventors Association

    What does it take to turn a great idea into a market ready product? This week on AUTM on the Air we have Carmine Denisco, president of the United Inventors Association (UIA) to talk about the journey of independent inventors. With over 100,000 members worldwide the UIA is a non-profit dedicated to providing resources, education and advocacy to inventors and ethical partnerships. In this episode, Carmine shares valuable advice for tech transfer professionals and inventors. From overcoming intellectual property challenges to manufacturing and commercialization he offers practical tips and real-world examples. He also talks about the importance of slowing down, doing your market research and getting the right support to avoid the common pitfalls. Whether you’re an independent inventor, an entrepreneur, or part of the innovation ecosystem, this episode is packed with strategies to help you succeed.  In This Episode: [01:36] The United Inventors Association has been around since the late 1980s. It's also a 501c3 non-profit.  [02:30] The UIA mission is to help empower, educate and give resources and connections to inventors.  [03:25] They have service providers and people who can help traverse the sequence of taking a product from idea to market. [04:08] Intellectual Property is so important and a great tool. [05:27] Inventors face many challenges including making sure the idea has legs and education, knowledge, and experience. Talking to the right people can be a challenge. [08:52] What tech transfer professionals should know about working with individual inventors as opposed to university researchers.  [10:20] Time and balancing everything are our big challenges. [11:07] There's a time and a sequence for getting a patent. UIA tries to slow things down and put the right IP in the right place. [14:25] The product needs to be made at the right place for that product at that time. [15:04] UIA tries to slow things down and find the right places to innovate.  [16:11] UIA works off of donations and volunteers. A lot of inventors give back. They don't charge for membership yet.  [18:22] The role that partnerships play at UIA and how they advocate for inventors.  [19:34] UIA is educating inventors and helping to make connections and offer resources to keep them on track.  [21:25] Advice for universities and institutions to help inventors and students. Take an outside inventor and create a program about that. Get everyone involved from business to marketing. [24:36] Top educational priorities include checking the market. Educate yourself on the process of taking something to market. Look at legal and know the processes.  [27:19] Carmine talks about outreach programs that have worked well.  [28:25] We learn what the UIA has planned for 2025 and beyond. Resources:  Carmine Denisco - United Inventors Association Carmine Denisco - LinkedIn Earmark Sourcing

    31 min

  7. 22 JAN

    From Lab to Launch- Key Strategies for Accelerating Drug Discovery in Tech Transfer With Elizabeth Douville

    The process of transforming cutting-edge academic research into life-changing therapies is often described as moving from bench to market. Joining us today is Elizabeth Douville, President and CEO of Iricor, a cancerology and immunology research valorization center based at the University of Montreal. Elizabeth is a leader who connects academic, industry and government ecosystems. She has a passion for scientific research and a track record of turning university innovations into biotech companies. She’s a force to be reckoned with in the life sciences. In this episode we’ll talk about how Iricor is tackling drug development, de-risking early stage innovation and commercializing promising therapies. We’ll also talk about bridging the infamous “Valley of Death” where so many projects go to die and how collaboration, entrepreneurial thinking and adaptability are the keys to success. Tune in for a behind the scenes look at innovation and the future of life-changing therapies. In This Episode: [01:54] Why the gap between academic innovation and commercialization often referred to as the "valley of death". The reality is that this is the place where projects go to die. [02:35] There can be problems with funding, technical validation, or market potential. [03:08] We learn the critical components for a successful drug discovery commercialization strategy that can be used by Tech Transfer offices. [05:13] You can't develop a drug and commercialize it on your own. Innovation takes a village. [06:07] We learn tactics and frameworks for de-risking projects. You need to go through the education process, do your homework, and sit down with the researcher. [07:22] Working collaboratively on the development path and having proof of concept can help get additional funding and move the innovation along. Each step should mitigate risk and make the technology more attractive. [08:43] Advice for TTOs and creating strong collaborations. Being a not-for-profit organization enables entities to apply for government aid and programs. [11:16] Approaching market assessment and validation to ensure commercial viability of a project. Access market intelligent databases for an early understanding of potential.  [12:23] Networking and knowing people in the industry and going to conferences is another part that will help with market assessment. [13:54] Prioritizing projects to maximize impact and balancing resource allocation. There are challenges but in the end they want to get new drug modalities to the patients. [15:58] Approaches to secure funding. Being a not-for-profit entity is the key to be eligible for programs. Be creative and leverage what's in your system from alumni to philanthropy. [18:11] Keys to collaboration include flexibility, agility, and understanding. [19:29] Elizabeth shares an example of an Iricor project that they helped to commercialize. The journey can be long and you have to be mindful of the IP.  [24:29] Best practices to follow without IP conflicts include making sure everybody's sitting at the table with the Pharma partner when everything comes together. [26:04] Empowering academic researchers to think like entrepreneurs. Universities have a big role to play when it comes to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. [27:47] Advice for building a culture of innovation and collaboration within a TTO office includes leading by example and having an entrepreneurial and solution oriented mindset. Resources:  Iricor Elizabeth Douville - LinkedIn

    30 min

  8. 15 JAN

    2025 Predictions for the IP, Tech Transfer, and AI Landscapes With Eli Mazour

    At the beginning of this new year and a new administration, we wanted to examine what trends, challenges, and opportunities lie ahead for technology transfer professionals and IP practitioners. My guest is Eli Mazour, an intellectual property attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP and host of the Clause 8 podcast. Eli is known for his intricate understanding of the patent system and his unique ability to help clients build valuable, litigation-ready patent portfolios that drive business goals. He’s also a trusted voice on patent policy and legislative developments. Eli and I discuss predictions for how the new administration could shape patent and intellectual property policy, the potential direction of Congress on patent reform, and how cutting-edge technologies like AI are influencing IP strategy. If you work in Technology Transfer, you won’t want to miss Eli’s expert take on how these changes might impact your office’s priorities, partnerships, and patent portfolios. In This Episode: [02:00] It's going to be an interesting new year with a new administration. [03:02] Major factors and big players shaping IP in 2025. Howard Lutnick will be in charge of the Commerce Department which oversees the PTO. [05:05] Past policy proposals rolled out to theoretically reduce drug prices. There is a huge backlog for examining patent applications. [07:38] There's also going to be openings for improvements on the hill. [09:45] Innovators need some type of predictable logic with patents. [12:14] The revised guidance at the USPTO was a huge benefit. [13:02] How the balance between innovation incentives and market competition will evolve under the new administration. [14:48] It's interesting how they're looking for more innovators in the defense space. Companies don't want to lose all of their IP to the government.  [15:43] The importance of creating an ecosystem that supports innovation and allows innovators to keep their IP rights. [17:19] How the march-in rights issues changed the discussion about making investments. [18:16] Sectors that will probably have heightened patent activity or regulatory focus. [22:29] How will the next administration approach AI-related intellectual property issues? [27:57] Eli talks about AI tools for drafting and prosecution. Rooney [29:00] A lot of stuff to save an attorney's time could be done through automation. [31:16] It takes a lot of time to clean up AI-related work, but it could help make applications more robust. [32:29] Eli talks about the types of tools that he's excited about. [34:04] What policymakers should think about the impact of AI driven Innovations on IP Frameworks. [37:17] Eli's top recommendations he would share with Congress for strengthening Innovation and protecting inventors. [38:51] Possible bipartisan opportunities for reform. [40:15] Hopefully, we'll see an emphasis on allowing innovators to be more secure in the rights that they came up with. [41:17] A big innovation trend includes companies trying to figure out how to make AI work for them. Resources:  Eli Mazour - Foley & Lardner LLP Eli Mazour - LinkedIn Clause 8 Podcast

    43 min
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About

AUTM on the AIR is the weekly podcast that brings you conversations about the impact of research commercialization and the people who make it happen. Join us for interviews with patent and licensing professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech transfer leaders on the issues and trends that matter most.

Information

  • Creator
    AUTM
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    244
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © AUTM.net
  • Show Website
    AUTM on the Air

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