"Nine Points"

In 2007, eleven prominent universities, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM) jointly published "In the Public Interest: Nine Points to Consider in University Technology Transfer." The document recommends, in general terms, best practices in nine different areas, to ensure that university technology transfer serves as a tool to benefit the general public.

It affirms universities' responsibility to ensure that the fruits of their research benefit as many as possible, including the world’s poor. The final point makes recommendations in this area:

"Consider including provisions that address unmet needs, such as those of neglected patient populations or geographic areas, giving particular attention to improved therapeutics, diagnostics and agricultural technologies for the developing world."

Many other universities, and other institutions, have endorsed this statement since its initial launch.

See the AUTM site for more.