Technology Transfer: Guidelines UC Berkeley Global Health Research Orientation Spring 2011

What is technology? We define technology broadly, to include: Knowledge or skills that, if applied, can advance research and learning A process, method, theory or analytic tool that enables research or solves problems Devices, inventions, and innovations that can be used as tools for discovery

Objectives of “Tech Transfer” Transferring knowledge or research tools to your collaborators, to strengthen their capacity for partnership Reciprocating the learning you’ll receive as a guest researcher Fostering relationships with your peers and research mentors abroad Building your presentation and teaching skills

Examples Organizing a workshop or presentation describing new research techniques or findings (e.g. new study results from your UC mentor's research group); Training for local students in the use of a lab technique or analytic tool (e.g. how to conduct focus groups, run an ELISA, code data, etc); Sharing data, samples or survey instruments you helped develop, to be adapted and improved by your international collaborators;

More Examples Sharing and/or demonstrating computer code, protocols, or algorithms you developed while working with your UC research mentor; A focused lit review providing context for your international research project and clearly articulating research gaps, priorities in the field, or key questions that are not effectively addressed at present; Providing GIS, excel, STATA, or other basic training for enumerators or others on the project team.

Bad Examples: Equipment, reagents or other “stuff” that you simply purchased here, for transport abroad Something that you do not fully understand, or did not participate in the development of Anything that you have *not* discussed with your international mentor (i.e. it must be relevant)

Key Considerations What will the “technology” enable your international research collaborators to accomplish? Why is it important to transfer this technology? Is it relevant to health priorities in your host country? Are you prepared or qualified to provide the technology transfer? What is your rationale for leading the project?

Key Considerations What needs have been communicated to you by your international mentor? What gap or perceived need will the project fill? How will the technology be applied by others? What new questions will it help answer?

Appropriateness If you are drafting a lit review, will you also bring PDF copies of all papers discussed? (This might be important in some low-resource settings) If you’re preparing a reagent, what supplies are required? Are they accessible in your host country? If you’re writing computer code, is the appropriate software (or hardware) available, or do you need to purchase copies?

Sustainability How will the technology be used or improved by others? Is it appropriate for the level of infrastructure available at your host site? Will it continue to be useful after you leave?