August 9th, 2022 was a monumental day for technology transfer! On this day, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science bill into law, allocating $3.1 billion to help research organizations strengthen their capacity for technology transfer. This is the first time that the US Federal Government has authorized funding of technology transfer staff, patent and licensing expenses, and the like. 

In today’s episode, I am joined by the chairman of the AUTM board and Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact for UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky, Ian McClure. 

Ian is here to share some details about the most transformational piece of legislation relating to technology transfer since the Bayh-Dole Act, including how it aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity in science, improve access to STEM education, combat sexual harassment in the scientific workforce, and more!

In This Episode:

[00:50] The CHIPS and Science Act: the bill that President Biden signed into law on August 9th, 2022.

[01:31] Ian’s role at the University of Kentucky. 

[02:11] An overview of how the CHIPS and Science Act is going to transform the technology transfer sector. 

[05:55] When AUTM board members realized there was an opportunity to change the technology transfer landscape in the US through the CHIPS and Science Act. 

[08:59] How the legislation cements the importance of the National Science Foundation (NSF). 

[10:10] $3.1 billion; the amount of money that has been authorized over a 5-year period to support technology transfer. 

[11:08] The three factors that determine the eligibility of institutions for this funding. 

[13:11] How section 10.3.91 of the CHIPS and Science Act establishes access to technology transfer and entrepreneurship programs. 

[15:47] Emphasis that the Act places on STEM education in Title 3. 

[19:05] Ian explains how Title 5 of the Act aims to enhance diversity and inclusivity in science.

[21:32] Some of the key aspects of the subtitle in the Act that is dedicated to combating sexual harassment in the scientific workforce. 

[24:04] Exploring Title 6, Subtitle C: the creation of regional innovation hubs in areas that are not leading technology areas. 

[29:02] Examples of how the Act aims to energize technology transfer. 

[32:04] How you can play your part in ensuring that authorizations turn into appropriations.

Find Ian:

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