Association of University Technology Managers honors WARF’s Cohn

Andrew Cohn, director of government and association relations for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), received the Bayh-Dole Award from the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) during its annual meeting on Feb. 28 in San Diego.

Every year, the award is presented to one individual who has been an ardent supporter of the practice of technology transfer. The commendation cites Cohn’s outstanding service to the profession and to AUTM through his tireless work in public policy advocacy and education. Among other issues, Cohn has been involved in efforts to improve U.S. patent law, maintain the federal Bayh-Dole Act and address global health concerns for underdeveloped countries.

“We are very proud of Andy and his accomplishments over the years,” says Carl Gulbrandsen, managing director of WARF. “He has built strong relationships with our Congressional delegation and state legislators, has been instrumental in initiating collaborative advocacy activities among the Big Ten Conference universities, as well as forming mutually beneficial relationships among university associations and other technology transfer organizations across the country.”

Cohn joined WARF as manager of government and media relations in 2001 and became director of government and association relations in 2007. Prior to joining WARF, he worked as the executive assistant for then-Wisconsin Attorney General Jim Doyle for eight years.

Howard Bremer, emeritus general counsel at WARF and one of the founding fathers of AUTM, was the first recipient of the award in 1980.