AUTM on the Air

• Protecting Tech Transfer And University Innovation Funding With Mike Waring

  The future of research and innovation is on the line. Right now, universities across the country are facing significant funding cuts that could reshape the way groundbreaking discoveries move from the lab to the real world. These cuts threaten not just the researchers and students who rely on them, but the very foundation of our innovation economy. If you have ever wondered how new medicines, cutting-edge technologies, or even life-saving treatments come to exist, the answer often lies in Tech Transfer. Without proper funding, that process is at risk.To unpack what is happening and what can be done, I am joined by someone who has spent nearly two decades fighting for research funding and intellectual property policy in Washington, D.C. Mike Waring. Mike is the Advocacy and Alliances Coordinator for AUTM. Before that, he spent 20 years leading the University of Michigan’s Washington office, working on Tech Transfer and policy issues at the highest levels. If anyone knows the ins and outs of how research funding decisions are made and what tech transfer professionals can do to advocate for their work, it is him.In this episode, we get into the real stakes of these proposed budget cuts, what they mean for university innovation, and how Tech Transfer offices can better position themselves as indispensable assets on their campuses. We will also talk about the importance of storytelling in advocacy, why policymakers need to see the human side of research, and how even those who do not see themselves as lobbyists can play a role in protecting the future of tech transfer.In This Episode:[00:57] Mike Waring knows the ins and outs of advocacy in Washington better than most. He's been deeply involved in advocacy efforts for nearly 20 years.[01:47] The strategy and focus for the conversations at Hill Day at the AUTM annual meeting. It was a great strategy to have members speak directly to people in DC.[02:26] It was an opportunity to explain what we do and why tech transfer is so important.[03:17] They want to put a cap on indirect costs such as lab infrastructure.  A 15% cap is far below what universities have negotiated. [04:25] A number of universities have raised red flags. Where will the money come to make up the difference in cost? We're going to make the case that an arbitrary number isn't the way.[05:14] Simple and effective ways for Tech Transfer professionals to make their case to policy makers and University leadership. Make a case for the benefits to the local community.[07:15] How Tech Transfer professionals can position themselves as an essential resource during discussions about funding and economic impact.[08:46] Strengthening patent rights and what is eligible and what's not eligible. There's also another bill to try and fix problems with the patent appeals board.[11:47] Hopefully, we can get most of these bills passed through the senate floor.[12:12] Demonstrating impact when arguing the case against budget cuts. Look at your own track record including startups and discoveries. Show revenue, job creation, and innovation.[14:15] It's easier for the head of the office to engage. If this isn't you, talk to your boss first. The director should have contact with the vice president of research. The federal relations people are your conduit for reaching the audiences for these issues.[15:03] Include policy makers in events and showcase your progress. Put examples in their brain. When the battle is won, one policy maker at a time.[16:11] Corporate partners can also help make the case on these issues.[17:46] The budget deficit is quite large. The key is reducing the debt in a thoughtful way. We need more innovation not cutting back on growth potential.[19:50] University presidents and CEOs can speak for the entire entity on these issues.[20:19] America is the leader in innovation for a reason. We've empowered researchers to research on all kinds of topics. They've used federal funding and look at all of the benefits because of that. This is an investment that pays us back!Resources: Mike Waring - AUTMA Year of AUTM Advocacy with Mike WaringPreparing for Potential Challenges

  --------  

  21:47
• Redefining DEI in Innovation: Lily Zheng on the FAIR Framework for Tech Transfer

  What happens when workplace equity efforts get lost in performative gestures? Today we’re talking about the conventional approach to workplace equity and the DEI landscape. As organizations face growing political pressure and increasing scrutiny of DEI programs, a more effective and outcome-driven approach has never been more urgent.Lily Zheng is a strategist, consultant and author who helps build fair, accessible, inclusive and representative organizations. They are the creator of the FAIR framework which has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and their book Fixing Fairness will be out soon.In this conversation, Lily will break down the limitations of traditional DEI models and why the FAIR framework (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, Representation) is a more defensible and better way to go. We’ll get into the four core principles of FAIR: outcomes, systems, coalitions and win-win solutions and how they provide a strategic foundation for lasting change in the workplace.This is especially timely for university tech transfer offices. With new federal directives calling into question DEI initiatives in research funding, many institutions are scrambling to adapt without sacrificing their core values of inclusivity and innovation. Lily will give practical advice on how to navigate this, reframe programs to stay compliant without losing impact.In This Episode:[01:47] Lily suggests the FAIR Framework to replace DEI. They wanted to set apart effective DEI work from the fluff. The plan was to distill what did work and what didn't and packed what did work into a new framework.[04:50] FAIR speaks to the goal of the work. The letters stand for fairness, access, inclusion, and representation.[05:24] There are four principles behind the framework including outcomes, systems, coalitions, and win-win.[07:38] DEI turned into splintered single issue causes. [08:39] We are stronger together, and coalitions are a hallmark of DEI work.[01:47] Lily suggests the FAIR Framework to replace DEI. They wanted to set apart effective DEI work from the fluff. The plan was to distill what did work and what didn't and packed what did work into a new framework.[04:50] FAIR speaks to the goal of the work. The letters stand for fairness, access, inclusion, and representation.[05:24] There are four principles behind the framework including outcomes, systems, coalitions, and win-win.[07:38] DEI turned into splintered single issue causes. [08:39] We are stronger together, and coalitions are a hallmark of DEI work.[20:33] Tech Transfer offices can focus on FAIR and understand the law. Follow the law and make any necessary adjustments to your program. Defend the highly legal and effective work you are doing.[24:41] If you have to change your language, make sure you don't change your impact.[26:32] There are still great ways to be compliant.[27:57] We have more than enough capacity, skill, caring, and generosity to do this work. It's up to us to continue to sustain impact.Resources: Lily ZhengWhat Comes After DEI?The FAIR FrameworkReconstructing DEI: A Practitioner's WorkbookLily Zheng - LinkedInLily Zheng - InstagramLily Zheng - Facebook

  --------  

  30:09
• Defending American Science: Holden Thorp on the NIH Funding Crisis and the Future of Research

  Research doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs a foundation of stable funding, institutional support and policies that empower researchers to innovate. But today that foundation is under threat.In this episode we dive into one of the biggest problems facing American research: the NIH funding crisis. On February 7th the National Institutes of Health (NIH) slashed indirect cost reimbursements from 50-60% to 15%. This has sent shockwaves through the academic and research communities. With this policy change universities across the country are facing an unprecedented financial squeeze and are having to re-budget, slow hiring and even rethink long-term projects.Joining us today to break it all down is Dr. Holden Thorp, Editor-in-Chief of the Science family of journals and one of the most influential people in the world of science. With a career spanning chemistry, academic leadership and biotech innovation Dr. Thorp has been Chancellor of UNC-Chapel Hill, Provost at Washington University in St. Louis and co-founder of Viamet Pharmaceuticals. He’s also a strong advocate for scientific integrity and the role of universities in innovation.We discuss how this funding issue may transform the US research scene, ranging from how it may affect universities to the potential of brain drain as top researchers consider migrating to Europe or China where funding is more stable. We address the lawsuit challenging the NIH policy and how uncertainty is already delaying significant projects such as Johns Hopkins' $330 million neuroscience facility and critical maternal health initiatives.Dr. Thorp discusses whether universities should rely more on industrial relationships, or if this risks diluting curiosity-driven research. We also discuss how universities, organizations, and state governments might work together to put pressure on Congress and find strategic solutions. In This Episode:[01:17] Explanation of the NIH’s February 7th directive, which capped indirect cost reimbursements at 15% instead of the usual 50–60%.[02:05] Dr. Thorp breaks down the difference between direct and indirect research costs, using a cooking analogy to explain how universities rely on indirect cost recovery for infrastructure, lab maintenance, and tech transfer operations.[04:12] How the federal government and universities developed a shared-cost model for research after World War II to encourage curiosity-driven discoveries.[05:40] How funding uncertainty affects long-term projects. Risks to major initiatives like Johns Hopkins’ $330 million neuroscience facility and Michigan State’s maternal health programs.[06:15] Many universities borrow against future indirect costs to finance construction. The new NIH policy threatens these financial models, potentially affecting bond ratings and making future research investments more expensive.[07:32] Dr. Thorp explains how these funding cuts could drive top international researchers to Europe and China, where funding structures are more stable.[10:22] Some universities are now adding caveats to admissions letters, warning that funding isn’t guaranteed. Risks of eroding trust in academia as a stable career path.[12:29] Beyond litigation, universities must build coalitions with industry, nonprofits, and state governments to pressure Congress and prevent further damage.[16:10] They have a Trump tracker with very up-to-date funding information. It's also in the Science Advisor newsletter. [17:15] The potential role of biotech firms and philanthropic ventures in filling funding gaps. Risks of diluting curiosity-driven research.[20:23] Many HBCUs and regional universities rely heavily on NIH funding, and these cuts could exacerbate existing inequities in research capacity.[24:28] Comparisons to the 2008 financial crisis, the 2013 sequestration, and other funding challenges. This situation is unique. [28:45] Can protests and public pressure force change? The impact of researcher protests, bipartisan pushback in Congress, and media scrutiny. [31:34] Dr. Thorp questions whether historically competitive universities will set aside differences and embrace shared research infrastructure and open-source models.[33:04] Young researchers should stay the course, emphasizing that science is cyclical and funding priorities will shift again.[34:53] It's important to talk about the economic impacts and issues with healthcare related to budget reductions.[37:20] The scientific community’s ability to adjust and innovate will be key to weathering this storm.Resources: Holden Thorp, Ph.D.Dr. Holden Thorp - AAASScienceAdvisor NewsletterDr. Holden Thorp - Columbian College of Arts & SciencesDr. Holden Thorp - LinkedInEngines of Innovation: The Entrepreneurial University in the Twenty-First CenturyOur Higher Calling: Rebuilding the Partnership between America and Its Colleges and Universities

  --------  

  39:04
• From Childhood Invention to Engineering Leadership with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith

  Engineering is more than just numbers and equations—it’s about people, innovation, and solving real-world problems. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tahira Reid Smith, an engineer, educator, and entrepreneur who is shaping the future of engineering through human-centered design. From childhood inspiration to groundbreaking research, she has dedicated her career to making technology more inclusive, effective, and meaningful.Dr. Reid Smith is the Arthur L. Glenn Professor of Engineering Education and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University. She is also the founder of Jump Dreams, Inc. and leads the Research in Engineering and Interdisciplinary Design Laboratory. Her expertise spans multiple fields, including psychology, social sciences, and engineering, to create solutions that put human needs first. In this conversation, she shares her journey from a childhood invention to industry collaborations with NASA and Procter & Gamble. She offers insights into innovation, diversity, and the role of persistence in engineering breakthroughs.Join us as we talk to Dr. Reid Smith about her career, her work on diversity in STEM, and her entrepreneurial drive to bring big ideas to life whether you’re an engineer, entrepreneur, or just someone interested in how technology and design impact our world this episode is full of inspiration and practical advice.In This Episode:[01:48] The story of inventing the Double Dutch robotic device and how she became an engineer.[02:29] When studying mechanical engineering, she remembered her third-grade dream and was inspired to start sketching ideas.[03:32] She loved Double Dutch and wanted a machine that could turn ropes.[04:21] Tahira always enjoyed math and science. She excelled and decided to major in mechanical engineering.[06:49] We learn how attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute shaped her approach to engineering and innovation.[07:27] There was a culture of design and entrepreneurship, and you were encouraged to get a patent. The Maker culture was common.[08:57] We learn about human-centered design and why it's crucial. It's all about keeping the human at the center of the process.[11:40] We learn about a collaboration that Tahira worked on at Purdue that looked at thermal properties of curly hair. The human consideration was looking at heat damage that black women could experience.[14:03] Tahira breaks down how the interdisciplinary approach affects her process. It's common to bring in social science methods in design theory. Psychology and social science insights are very valuable.[17:10] How technology transfer professionals can facilitate collaborations across different academic departments. Working with an interdisciplinary team might help answer questions you couldn't do alone.[18:44] Tahira was also a teleworker at NASA from 2022 to 2021 in the Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Group.[21:14] We learn about industry partnerships such as partnering with General Motors and Proctor and Gamble. Connections are helpful, but persistence is often times required.[25:09] Tahira is a co-founder of Black in Engineering. Diversity helps reduce instances of bias and blind spots.[28:55] Promoting diversity and inclusion. Be intentional when engaging with the faculty on campus. Is the database representative of the community's demographics?[30:24] Compassionate design is a framework created to help engineers think about the dignity, security, and empowerment that users ought to feel when engaging with your creation.[31:47] Ask questions about your product, such as whether it will create embarrassment or how someone will feel using it.[32:55] Tahira has over 60 articles published. Academic publishing brings credibility to the role that you're doing, primarily peer-reviewed articles.[34:15] Having published work on your idea will give you an edge when standing before investors.[35:02] We learn more about Jump Dreams, Inc.'s founding and the Double Dutch jump rope invention.[38:13] Don't just stay within the walls of your university go out and do outreach. Reach out to the younger generation and show them what's possible.[39:10] Generative AI and Artificial Intelligence are impacting everyone right now. [40:25] Tahira is excited about a project she's working on that's designed to help the elderly and another one to help increase situational awareness for firefighters and police officers.Resources: Dr. Tahira Reid SmithJump Dreams, IncThe REID Lab @ Penn StateDr. Tahira Reid Smith - PennStateDr. Tahira Reid Smith - InstagramDr. Tahira Reid Smith - Inventor SpotlightDr. Tahira Reid Smith - LinkedInDr. Tahira Reid Smith - The Lemelson FoundationBlack in Engineering

  --------  

  42:57
• The Hidden Influence of Inventions on Humanity with Dr. Ainissa Ramirez

  Science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about transformation. In this episode, I talk to Dr. Ainissa Ramirez, an award-winning scientist, author, and science advocate who wants science to be for everyone. From her childhood of taking things apart to her work in materials science, Dr. Ramirez shares how curiosity and representation shaped her journey.Her book The Alchemy of Us explores how materials like clocks, steel rails, and copper cables advanced technology and changed human behavior in unexpected ways. We’ll talk about the unintended consequences of innovation, from how artificial light affects our health to how AI is changing the way we think. Dr. Ramirez also shares her thoughts on diversity in STEM and the power of storytelling in making science relatable.Whether you’re a scientist, an innovator, or just curious about the world around you, this episode will make you rethink technology’s place in our lives. Listen in for an interesting conversation that spans history, science, and human experience.In This Episode:[00:43] Dr. Ainissa Ramirez is an award-winning scientist, author, and passionate science communicator.[01:33] Her love for science was inspired when she was young. She loved taking things apart and asking questions. And she also loved watching the PBS program 321 Contact.[03:02] Material science is between chemistry and physics. Everything has to do with the interaction of atoms. She went on to graduate school and worked at Bell Laboratories.[04:34] Bell Laboratories is where she developed her research skills, and it took her from graduate school to the next level, where she went on to Yale.[05:49] The Alchemy of Us focuses on how eight inventions have shaped humanity.[06:28] She wants to share how important material science is to other people. She thought the best way to do that was to show the impact on humanity.[07:32] We learn about the book's origin story, which involves glass blowing.[08:27] She wanted something from history that was made possible because a specific material existed or didn't exist. Then, she added the origin story and the impact of the material.[10:19] Her favorite chapter was the last one. It's about how computers are altering the way we think. [11:30] How looking at simple technologies will prepare us to ask questions about technology we won't be able to understand, such as AI.[12:34] Lights actually shape our health. Our bodies have a daytime mode and a nighttime mode. Shift workers working under a blue fluorescent light have their health affected.[14:09] Diverse groups make better solutions. It's important for us all to have mentors. We also need to support people interested in STEM, even if they don't have a strong background.[15:27] Representation needs to be supported with longevity.[16:39] The function of racism is a distraction. Barriers should never stop us from doing the work we're meant to do.[17:12] Technology is everywhere. We need to have an understanding of the things around us. Critical thinking and being curious are very important.[18:09] Getting people excited about science includes telling good stories and making the material accessible.[19:10] Science is a story.[20:03] Tech Transfer people are well-positioned to know what the good stories are. They not only see the science and the concept, but they also see how it's useful.[21:05] The thing in front of her is what's most exciting now. Each step was compelling. Don't study alone, and always get a tutor. Be brave and ask questions.[22:19] She has a series of children's books coming out. Resources: Dr. Ainissa RamirezThe Alchemy of UsScience Underground PodcastDr. Ainissa Ramirez - LinkedIn321 Contact

  --------  

  24:39

More Technology podcasts

Trending Technology podcasts

About AUTM on the Air