A combination of factors enabled the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) to successfully create the first university technology transfer office while others around them failed. The role that this institution has played in shaping our world is monumental. 

In this episode, we pick up where we left off in our previous conversation, and Kevin Walters shares the story of WARF in the wake of Harry Steenbock’s vitamin D patent (which was ultimately dedicated to the public in 1946). 

Kevin also explains the circumstances that led to the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act and the work that he is now doing at WARF since completing his (fascinating) dissertation.  

In This Episode:

[01:06] Factors that enabled WARF’s success in establishing the first technology transfer office. 

[02:47] When other universities started having success in the technology transfer field. 

[04:32] Companies that Harry Steenbock’s vitamin D patent was licensed to. 

[07:16] How the New Deal impacted WARF and Steenbock’s patent. 

[10:28] The legal battle that WARF was involved in relating to Steenbock’s patent. 

[11:44] The ultimate fate of Steenbock’s patent. 

[12:30] How the post-war environment led to the passing of the Bayh-Dole Act. 

[21:00] Work that Kevin has been doing since completing his dissertation. 

Resources:

Kevin Walters on LinkedIn

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Vitamania