The University of Utah Research Foundation has appointed Katharine Ku to its board of directors. Ku recently retired from Stanford University’s Office of Technology Licensing after serving as executive director for 27 years. A world-renowned expert in technology transfer, she developed nine principles for university technology licensing that have been adopted by tech transfer offices across the country.

“Kathy is joining the UURF board at a crucial time,” said Andy Weyrich, vice president for Research. “The university just surpassed the $500 million mark for annual research investment, and our faculty are increasingly interested in commercializing their discoveries in ways that contribute to the greater good.”

The UURF—a 501(c)(3) organization—is wholly owned by University of Utah. The foundation is comprised of the university’s Research Park and the intellectual property and associated licenses, which are managed by the U’s Center for Technology & Venture Commercialization (TVC). “Kathy’s expertise in technology transfer will be invaluable as we move further to a value-driven model for technology commercialization,” said Keith Marmer, TVC executive director

Ku’s appointment was ratified at the April 24 UURF board meeting, and her term is effective immediately.

“I share the university’s philosophy for technology development—do what is in the best public interest, while creating value and impact,” said Ku. “Taking this approach to commercialization will help the university meet the goals of its administration, faculty and investors.”

This release first published on the TVC website: https://tvc.utah.edu/press-release/katharine-ku-appointed-to-university-of-utah-research-foundation-board-of-directors/