Salk Welcomes National Leader in Academic Technology Transfer

Strategic Patent, Licensing and Start-Up Visionary Comes to the Salk

LA JOLLA, Calif., March 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Salk Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert MacWright, Ph.D., Esq. as Executive Director of the Salk Institute Office of Technology Development. His appointment begins February 14, 2011.

Dr. MacWright has extensive experience in academic technology transfer.  For over a decade he was Executive Director of the University of Virginia Patent Foundation, where he led a broad expansion and modernization of its patent and licensing activities. He also led the creation of a subsidiary that supported faculty start-up companies, and the creation of a local angel investment fund.  He previously led the creation and development of technology transfer programs at Rutgers University, and served as Executive Director of the Rutgers University Office of Corporate Liaison and Technology Transfer.

"Robert's strategic and academic experience will be a huge asset to the Salk," said William R. Brody, President, Salk Institute.  "His deep understanding of basic research, academia and industry is unique and he is poised to take our Technology Transfer to new heights."

Dr. MacWright brings expertise as a patent lawyer, having practiced law at Kenyon & Kenyon, at Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom, and at Frommer Lawrence & Haug.  He holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rutgers University and the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey.  He has academic and industry research experience in protein chemistry and molecular genetics. He holds a law degree from The Rutgers School of Law in Newark.

"The Office of Technology Management and Development plays a significant role in Salk's ability to advance basic research into the marketplace.  Robert's energy and advocacy come at a crucial time. We look forward to his leadership," said Marsha Chandler, Executive Vice President, Salk Institute.

About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines.

Faculty achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including Nobel Prizes and memberships in the National Academy of Sciences. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., the Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark.

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Salk Institute for Biological Studies

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