News Release

CHAPEL HILL -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is home to scholars who create a variety of discoveries and technological innovations. But in today’s market, connecting these innovations to the marketplace for societal benefit, from concept to product, can be a challenge.

Mark Crowell, UNC’s associate vice chancellor for economic development and technology transfer, was recently named president of the board of trustees for the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), the premier professional organization focused on helping academic technology transfer professionals meet such challenges.

Crowell, who also directs UNC’s Office of Technology Development, and other board members will oversee the association’s efforts to provide professional development and networking opportunities for technology transfer professionals in both established and newly forming organizations worldwide. The association also seeks to build understanding of how academic technology transfer improves quality of life and promotes economic development.

Crowell’s duties at UNC also include overall responsibility for the university’s technology transfer and economic development activities, including the coordination of a research campus development project of almost 1,000 acres. Prior to assuming his current position at UNC in September 2000, Crowell spent eight years as associate vice chancellor for technology transfer and industry research at North Carolina State University and five years as director of the Office of Technology Transfer at Duke University.

The association’s membership includes more than 3,300 technology managers and business executives and represents more than 300 universities, research institutions, teaching hospitals, businesses and government organizations worldwide. More than 11 percent of the association’s members are from outside North America and represent more than 30 countries.

AUTM was established in 1974 as the Society of University Patent Administrators, with seven members. In 2003, AUTM members reported more than 471 new product introductions and the formation of 374 new companies focused on commercializing innovations made in university research programs.

More information is available at www.autm.net.

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UNC News Services contact: Deb Saine, (919) 962-8415 or deborah_saine@unc.edu