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WARF at 100: Shaping Science, Society, and the Next Generation of Innovation
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The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, or WARF, was created 100 years ago. It was a daring idea to turn scientific discoveries into real-world applications. Today marks the 100th anniversary. Since 1925, WARF has played a pioneering role in encouraging innovation, supporting scientific discovery, and ensuring that research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison benefits society.
To commemorate a century of influence, we're joined by four members of the WARF team, each with their own take on the past and future. Holly Adams, Contract Manager; Lesli Mark, Accelerator Manager; Michael Falk, Chief Intellectual Property and Licensing Officer; and Maureen Miner, Director of Human Resources and Cultural Advancement.
In this episode, we reflect on WARF's impact over the last century, from shaping national policy through the Bayh-Dole Act to commercializing breakthrough technologies in stem cell research, agriculture, and medical imaging.
You'll learn how the team is evolving WARF's purpose through new programs like Startup Advantage, deeper industry involvement, and the intentional incorporation of AI into IP strategy. We also look at how WARF maintains its collaborative, mission-driven culture, and what this means for the next generation of researchers and innovators. It's a discussion about legacy, leadership, and what it takes to keep innovation going today and into the next century.
In This Episode:
[02:41] We learn what celebrating 100 years of WARF means to our guests personally and professionally.
[03:37] WARF is an institution with stability even during ups and downs. It's a pleasure to serve a public research university.
[04:07] Invest in research and make a difference. Turning university ideas into real world impact.
[05:32] The Bayh-Dole Act was modeled on what WARF instituted and became a model for tech transfer around the country.
[06:24] Technological contributions include work with stem cells.
[07:51] How stem cell research helped a paralyzed man regain control of his extremities.
[09:52] Holly talks about how the needs and complexities of licensing agreements have evolved over the years. They need to streamline the formation of startups coming out of Wisconsin-Madison.
[10:29] The Startup Advantage Program is to help offset some of the costs that startups face.
[11:16] Communication and a proactive approach is needed to create licensing agreements and needed changes.
[12:06] How agreements and compliance have evolved overtime. They have a customized version of Salesforce and an online reporting tool.
[13:39] The vital role of contract management with agreement obligations and compliance. Visiting local startups is also a great method.
[14:43] Lesli is the Accelerator Manager for WARF. A lot of their work is in licensing. There needs to be more advancement in these technologies coming off of campus. Methods of selecting technology and moving forward have changed.
[16:22] Having subject matter experts helps accelerate the technology.
[18:32] Identifying and supporting some of the most promising projects. They look at 400 disclosures a year and flag ones that they think will have market impact and need their help.
[21:31] Opportunities and challenges of the next century of WARF include engaging with industry.
[22:41] Michael talks about IP and licensing. They have always been inventor focused. Each disclosure is a product of an inventor's life's work.
[24:26] Licensing success stories include advancements in medical imaging and radiopharmaceuticals and advances in agriculture.
[27:22] AI challenges and opportunities and preparing for the future.
[29:54] They are technology and inventor focused. Will a patent help a technology get out into the world?
[32:09] Maureen talks about the people and the mission driven culture. A lot of people are engaged and excited about working at WARF.
[33:35] They've focused on reaching everyone. All people can be inventors and they want to make sure that they can promote them and reach out.
[34:13] They've been strategic about celebrating innovations.
[35:02] They have a hybrid structure where they support and meet employees where they are. Along with a robust health and wellness program and benefits. They also encourage paid community involvement.
[36:49] Taking the vision of WARF and turning it over to employees.
[37:35] Michael is most proud of how researchers appreciate and respect WARF.
[38:43] WARF offers employees the opportunity to learn and grow.
[39:39] They are also very proud of the startups that they've been able to help.
[40:07] Being a valued partner and being a helpful resource supports the culture. Along with connections with colleagues.
[41:02] Carrying the WARF legacy forward.
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