Overview of Technology Transfer at NIH
The primary mission of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability. As part of its research mission, the NIH researchers develop new technologies and research resources. The process of sharing or further developing these new technologies with other research organizations is called “technology transfer”. Although not all inclusive, the protection of novel research results, the exchange of research materials, the formation of collaborative relationships with external organizations, and the licensing of intellectual property rights to commercial entities for the development and commercialization of biomedical products and services are all considered to be technology transfer activities.
Organizational Structure for NIH Technology Transfer
At the NIH, responsibilities for the various technology transfer activities are divided between the institute-level technology transfer offices located within the individual NIH Institutes or Centers (also referred to as NIH Technology Development Coordinator (TDC) Offices) and central NIH Office of Technology Transfer located within the NIH Office of the Director.
Page last updated: January 03, 2011
