EMPLOYING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN SCIENCE OUTREACH

Technology transfer is the practice of bringing research products and inventions to the market place. Thus, it provides a direct link between basic research and the public. In academic settings technology transfer is primarily used to generate revenue for the university or as a means of business incubation/acceleration for the region. However, universities often fail to take advantage of the potential benefits technology transfer departments provide. Technology transfer can promote research, raise public support for research, and be incorporated into the classroom to strengthen curriculum. Technology transfer is an underutilized means of outreach in the sciences. For scientists technology transfer can be an outreach tool. Technology transfer is capable of providing accessible and familiar examples of science in action. This talk discusses methods of, evaluative frameworks for, and presents one case study of incorporating technology transfer into outreach activities to promote science, augment education, and reach a broad audience.