I wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the new format and that the first stories are now posted in that format to the AUTM Better World Report (www.betterworldproject.org). If you haven’t had the opportunity to take a look at the new format and site, please make sure you do so, and if you have any comments (positive or negative), please be sure to let AUTM know at info@autm.net. We will be publishing to the site on a regular basis. There will also be further enhancements, including a fully searchable database and the ability to print on demand those stories in which you are interested. We are also hoping to provide a rich, multimedia experience that will allow your stories to ‘come to life’ (corny, but accurate) with audio and video content as well.
For those of you with story ideas, please take the time to submit them for consideration. It is very easy to submit and does not take much time. The writing of the stories is done by professional writers, so you will not have to spend a great deal of time. I know at this time of year, I am working hard to present anything I can to demonstrate our office’s impact beyond the easily measurable numbers. The BWR can help do that by not only showcasing the impact of innovations coming from your institution, but can provide a greater context for the innovations, demonstrating the impact academic technology transfer has on the world.
To submit your story idea, download the application at www.betterworldproject.net. Keep in mind that the technology has to be developed into a product by your licensee to be considered for the report, and we are looking for stories that demonstrate an impact of that product on society. That impact may be measured in economic development terms, in humanitarian terms or in terms of human health. We are simply trying to show the world the important work we do.
And hey, it is free publicity with most of the work being done by AUTM staff and professional writers. What more could you ask for?
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or Managing Editor Lisa Richter at (lrichter@autm.net).
Thanks,
Marc Malandro
Co-Editor, AUTM BWR