David Winwood, Ph.D., RTTP, chief executive officer of the UAB Research Foundation, has been elected vice president for advocacy of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).
Technology managers oversee the process of transferring scientific findings from, for example, academic research teams to private companies that commercialize the discoveries. The process typically includes protecting technologies, licensing and creating startup companies.
“The patenting of discoveries and helping to establish new companies based on innovations created by university researchers adds value to the investments made in research,” said Winwood. “Technology managers, as a group, provide valuable guidance in connecting researchers with partners able to assist in turning leading edge research into new products and services that benefit society. As the world continues to shift toward a knowledge-based economy, AUTM is uniquely placed to assist in providing professional development and best practices guidance in technology transfer.”
AUTM is a network of more than 3,200 technology transfer professionals around the world who work in academic, government and commercial settings dedicated to promoting technology transfer through education, advocacy and networking. It also seeks to help define the profession, prepare it to be more useful in the future and provide members with training and tools.
The vice president for advocacy with AUTM is responsible for networking on AUTM’s behalf with public officials and organizations in the United States and abroad that share common interests with AUTM. Working with an advisory committee, the VP for advocacy recommends positions taken by AUTM on pertinent public policy issues in the United States and abroad in accordance with association policy.
Winwood was chosen because of his experience with, and interest in, policy issues that affect the practice of technology transfer in the university community at large.
“My goal as VP for advocacy is not only to keep AUTM’s membership informed on policy issues, but also to raise awareness among policy makers of the social and economic growth opportunities represented by contributions made by the academic research community,” said Winwood.
AUTM’s new officers began their terms at the conclusion of the 2013 AUTM Annual Meeting in San Antonio in early March.