Show notes
Welcome to a special episode of Technology Transfer IP. This episode will talk about equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in Tech Transfer. To help guide our discussion, we have assembled an esteemed panel of guests who have graciously agreed to share their knowledge and insights on this topic. Today's panel includes; Tom Hockaday, Anji Miller, Natalie Cozier, Almesha Campbell, and Megan Aanstoos.Tom Hockaday is an author and leading expert in university technology transfer leadership, management, and operations. He led the tech transfer activities at the University of Oxford for ten years, from 2006 to 2016. His book University Technology Transfer - What it is and How to Do it, was published by Johns Hopkins University Press in 2020.Dr. Anji Miller is Senior Business Manager at LifeArc, where she leads the AUTM Technology Transfer Training Fellowship Program. Dr. Miller has expertise in technology evaluation, exploitation, translational funding and strong commercial awareness, and a proven track record of contract negotiations, technology commercialization, and development of translational technologies.Dr. Natalie Cozier is the Head of Regional Engagement for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, which is part of UK Research and Innovation. Dr. Cozier is an experienced leader in organizational development, partnership building, and IPR asset management.Dr. Almesha Campbell currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Research and Economic Development/Director for Technology Transfer and Commercialization at Jackson State University (JSU). Dr. Campbell supports the overall direction of the Division of Research and Economic Development and manages the intellectual property process from triage of invention disclosures to commercialization. Dr. Megan Aanstoos is the Licensing and New Ventures Manager for Kentucky Commercialization Ventures (KCV). In this role, Megan is responsible for outreach and education on matters related to commercialization, along with assessing, managing, and licensing intellectual property development at KCV Partner Institutions.Listen as the panel discusses Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion and how it is being handled in the Technology Transfer sector both in the US and in the UK. They talk about why they believe there are so few black scientists in the UK, if there is something in academia that prohibits minority success, and what the UK is doing to help address EDI issues. They also discuss the differences in EDI between the UK and the US and where the US sector is doing well, and where it could do better. The panel also discusses the resources that are available for anyone who would like to learn more. Tom talks about GEDITT, which stands for Global Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Tech Transfer and its goals. They also speak about where to find information on AUTM's efforts in this area. In This Episode:[04:34] Panel, welcome to the show![04:55] Tom talks about the article he wrote called White Board on his website Technology Transfer Innovation.[07:38] Tom shares the purpose of University Technology Transfer.[08:16] What motivated you to write this article now?[13:07] Natalie shares why she believes there are so few black scientists in the UK.[13:53] Natalie discusses whether there is something specific about academia and Tech Transfer in the UK, making it difficult for minorities to succeed.[14:46] Can you tell us what the Tech Transfer sector is doing in the UK to address EDI issues?[15:36] Natalie speaks about the initiatives by the UK government to help address EDI in research and Tech Transfer.[17:12] Anji, what has it been like for you as one of only a few people of color working in this sector?[18:42] Anji shares what she has learned about EDI in Tech Transfer in the UK.[19:45] Anji discusses some differences in terms of how EDI is handled by the Tech Transfer sector in the UK compared to the US.[20:45] Megan shares what she believes is different in how the United States versus other countries handle EDI and if the US is doing a better job than other countries.[23:25] What is the Tech Transfer sector doing in the US to address EDI issues?[26:05] Megan talks about where the sector is doing well and where they can do better in EDI.[29:53] Almesha shares how, as an office of 1, she has handled EDI issues.[33:19] How did you figure out where to even start with EDI?[35:13] Megan talks about the EDI Committee Almesha mentioned.[36:36] Almesha speaks about the resources she has relied on.[40:20] Tom discusses the reaction he got to his article.[43:15] With the reaction you received, what did you do next?[44:26] Tom talks about GEDITT, which stands for Global Equity, Diversity, Inclusion in Tech Transfer.[45:44] Anji speaks about GEDITT being a community of individuals from the Tech Transfer sector, patent offices, law firms, corporations, and more.[47:16] Megan adds to what Anji just said.[47:51] Almesha, do you want to discuss the purpose of GEDITT?[49:33] Tom talks about some goals and next steps and calls to action for GEDITT.[54:01] Megan shares where AUTM members can obtain more information about AUTM's efforts on EDI.[56:06] Almesha, for those listeners that may be a part of a single or small office, where do you recommend they go to get more information or assistance on EDI?[58:14] Megan speaks about the Emerging Members Program.[59:23] Where can listeners in the UK go for more information about EDI?[1:04:20] Thank you all for being on the show! Find GEDITT:EmailWebsite Find Tom:Email Find Anji:Email Find Natalie: LinkedIn Find Almesha:Email Find Megan:Email