February 24, 2005
Technology transfer head wins award
James Severson, the UW’s Vice Provost for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, is the recipient of the 2005 Bayh-Dole Award given by the Association of University Technology Transfer Managers (AUTM) for his many contributions to academic technology transfer.
Severson was given the award at the annual meeting of the association. He shares the award with Akio Nishizawa of Tohoku University.
Ann Hammersla, AUTM president and senior counsel of intellectual property at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said Severson was chosen for his contributions to the profession, which include teaching, meeting with political and social leaders and representing both the UW and the United States in international venues. Among other accomplishments, Severson helped start the Technology Transfer Working Group, a national coalition that promotes awareness of tech transfer issues to the U.S. Congress and other stakeholders.
“Jim continously challenges us to develop ourselves professionally and to consider the broader issues and societal impact of technology transfer activity,” Hammersla said.
Under Severson’s direction, UW Tech Transfer increased its role in marketing UW technologies to prospective commercial partners — especially local entrepreneuers — and initiated new programs such as the Technology Gap Innovation Fund, which will add value to UW discoveries. He also acts as a liaison between private industry and local government on matters pertaining to technology and the University’s role in the knowledge economy.
