The Penn State Research Foundation

Vision

The Penn State Research Foundation catalyzes the commercial translation of research to benefit the Penn State community and improve our world.

 

Mission Statement

To drive a university-wide ecosystem that: RESEARCHERS rely upon to foster commercialization of their discoveries, INDUSTRY seeks for innovations in their business sectors, GOVERNMENT recognizes to advance the tech transfer of their investments, NEW VENTURES value for guidance, growth, and investment opportunities, and positions Penn State as a leader and innovator in the commercialization of advanced research.

 

About

The Penn State Research Foundation traces its origins to 1934, when The Pennsylvania Research Corporation was formed “for the purpose of fostering and advancing scientific research” which included the creating, purchasing, holding, and licensing of rights for inventions, designs, and other intellectual property.

Today, Penn State consistently ranks among the nation’s top 25 public research universities, with annual research expenditures regularly hovering around $1 billion.  The Penn State Research Foundation continues to support the Penn State research enterprise and -- consistent with the land-grant mission -- enhances the impact of Penn State research to drive economic development across the Commonwealth and beyond.  

Leadership

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors with technology development and research commercialization expertise drawn largely from the private industry. The officers of the Penn State Research Foundation are:

 

President

Lora G. Weiss, Senior Vice President for Research, Penn State University

Vice President

Bin Yan, Associate VP for Research & Director, Office of Technology Management, Penn State University

Chair

Bruce J. Shook, Serial Medtech Entrepreneur/CEO

Vice Chair

Joseph E. Herbst, SVP Business Development, Innovative Financing Solutions

Secretary

James L. Delattre, Associate VP for Research & Director, Office of Entrepreneurship & Commercialization, Penn State University

Assistant Secretary

Cheryl L. Markley, Administrative Support Coordinator, Office of Technology Management, Penn State University

Assistant Secretary

Shannon S. Harvey, Director, Office of the Board of Trustees, and Secretary, Corporation for Penn State, Penn State University

Treasurer

Virginia A. Teachey, Associate Vice President for Finance, Penn State University

Assistant Treasurer

Lee A. Wagner, University Controller, Penn State University

 

Penn State Tech Transfer

• Penn State’s research enterprise is led by Dr. Lora G. Weiss, Senior Vice President for Research 
• Penn State’s intellectual property management program is led by Bin Yan, Associate VP for Research & Director of the Office of Technology Management 
• Penn State’s research commercialization and entrepreneurship programs are led by James Delattre, Associate VP for Research & Director of the Office of Entrepreneurship & Commercialization
• Penn State’s Industry-Research collaborations are led by Geanie Umberger, Associate VP for Research & Director of the Office of Industrial Partnerships

Licensable Technologies

For a searchable database of licensable technologies, please visit Penn State’s Intellectual Property Navigator.   Visit the Invent Penn State website for more information on startups based on Penn State intellectual property.