The “Knowledge Transfer Workshop Series 2023” was successfully held by the Research Services and Knowledge Transfer Office (RSKTO) of the University of Macau (UM) on 16, 17 and 20 November 2023.  Two renowned guest speakers were invited to share their experience and expertise in knowledge transfer. More than 40 professors, students and administrative staffs from numerous faculties and units including Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Business Administration, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, etc. participated in the Workshop Series and carried out in-depth discussions and exchanges with the speakers.

The first session of the Workshop Series, “What Scientists Need to Know about IP and Tech Transfer”, was conducted by Philip Mendes on 16 and 17 November 2023. Philip Mendes is an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology in Australia and he practised as a lawyer in technology transactions for over 30 years. Since 2000, Philip has presented over 200 intellectual property and commercialization related workshops throughout Australia and Asia. During the workshop on 16 and 17 November 2023, Philip discussed topics on knowledge transfer including how to achieve both the academic publication objective as well as the intellectual property protection and commercialization objective, the extent to which scientists can make disclosures without a Confidentiality Agreement, implications of joint ownership of intellectual property, strategies to find commercial partners and licensees, commercialization pathways, important notes about License Agreements, etc.

The second session of the Workshop Series, “Experience Sharing from Boston University Tech Transfer Expert”, was delivered by Ashley J. Stevens on 20 November 2023. Ashley J. Stevens, former Director from Boston University’s Office of Technology Transfer in the United States, has 30 years of experience in structuring the transfer of early-stage technologies. Ashley went through the benefits of technology transfer, examined techniques on invention management and marketing, technology valuation and license negotiation.

“Knowledge Transfer Workshop Series 2023” is the first workshop with the theme of knowledge transfer held by RSKTO this year, and relevant activities will continue to be organized in the future. RSKTO organized two IP seminars titled “Intellectual Property Overview & China Patent Basics” and “Introduction to Foreign Patent Applications and How to Create High-Quality Patents” in March and September this year respectively.

RSKTO has always been committed to promoting knowledge transfer and fostering collaboration among industry, university and research. It is hoped that through this workshop, participants can strengthen their understanding of knowledge transfer, thereby driving innovation and creating benefits to the society and economy.