I have been visiting members in California while I am out here on "vacation." After all, membership is partially a marketing function and we all know it is hard to market if you do not know whatt he custoemrs really need.
Today one set of needs was very clear: sponsored reseacrh. In meetings at both Berkeley and Stanford, I heard that AUTM should be doing more to address issues in sponsored research. It turns out IP is an issue in sponsored research (surprise, surprise) and that downstream rights to licenses are a big part of sponsored research agreements. Also an issue is how to optimize the relationship between sponsored research and licensing intiatives and outreach.
Now this will come as a surprise to no-one, especially the AUTM President, Robin Rasor, who has been saying we need to reach out to folks doing sponsored research. Memberships AVP Tanaga Boozer has also brought it up as an issue for smaller offices.
There is already a relevant session planned for this year's annual meeting. There is also an ad hoc group of members coordinating in this area. What I am thinking we need to do to start meeting these needs is set up a sponsored research e-group and also do a set of webinars to share best practices, building on the session at the annual meeting.
I would be interested in hearing other ideas and also am looking for some volunteers to work on this topic -- a good way to see if it is an important issue for others. Send me an email via this system or directly to
phyl.speser@foresightst.com.
Thanks,
Phyl