| Contacts: | Jeanan Yasiri Moe Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation [email protected] 608.890.1491 |
Leef Smith Barnes Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) [email protected] 703.870.4895 |
MADISON, Wis. – In recognition of ‘outstanding and lasting contributions,’ Andy Cohn, former director of government and association relations for WARF, has been honored with the President’s Award by the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM).
Cohn served as WARF’s external relations chief from 2001 to 2013, a period that witnessed unprecedented attention surrounding James Thomson’s embryonic stem cell discoveries. As WARF and the University of Wisconsin–Madison managed inquiries from media, government and the public, Cohn helped steward the national debate over stem cell research.
“I am humbled and deeply honored to receive this award from AUTM,” said Cohn. “The work I performed with WARF allowed us to organize our community of technology transfer colleagues around deeply important issues. I was privileged to be part of that.”
In support of university patent rights, Cohn joined the AUTM Board, serving as Vice President of Public Policy and then as Vice President for Advocacy.
Carl Gulbrandsen, former managing director of WARF, said, “It is because of Andy that AUTM considers it part of its mission to be an advocate for strong intellectual property law. Andy’s hard work and persuasive skill were instrumental in AUTM becoming a strong advocacy voice in concert with organizations such as the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), the American Institute for Property and Liability Underwriters (AIPLU) and the Association of American Universities (AAU) rebutting efforts to weaken U.S. patents and the Bayh-Dole Act.”
“Because of Andy’s wisdom, commitment and friendly persuasion, AUTM has become much more committed to, and involved in, shaping public policy,” said AUTM President Mary Alberton. “Andy has worked tirelessly in favor of a strong Bayh-Dole and strong patents and addressing global health concerns for under-developed countries. It is a real honor and privilege to recognize him with the 2018 President’s Award.”
In 2008 Cohn was the recipient of another top honor from AUTM, the Bayh-Dole Award, for his efforts to foster and promote intellectual property activities on behalf of the university and nonprofit community.
Cohn is the second WARF staff member to receive the President’s Award. The other was the late Howard Bremer, former patent counsel, in 2013.
About WARF
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) helps steward the cycle of research, discovery, commercialization and investment for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Founded in 1925 as an independent, nonprofit foundation, WARF manages more than 1,900 patents and an investment portfolio of $2.7 billion as it funds university research, obtains patents for campus discoveries and licenses inventions to industry. For more information, visit warf.org and view WARF’s Cycle of Innovation.
###