Find Your Answers to "Has Anyone Ever..."

It’s no surprise that more than 70% of respondents to the 2026 AUTM Annual Meeting survey said networking was a very important factor in their decision to attend. Year after year, making connections continues to top the list of reasons people come together at the Meeting. But what happens after the badges are packed away and everyone heads home? That’s where AUTM’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) step in.  

AUTM’s SIGs keep the conversation going long after the Meeting ends. These groups give Members a place to swap ideas, share challenges, and connect with peers who understand the nuances of tech transfer. With 18 SIGs to choose from, there’s likely a space where you can find your niche and the people who are just as eager to dig into the details. And if your particular corner of tech transfer isn’t represented yet, AUTM provides clear guidelines to help Members launch a new SIG and build a community around emerging topics.  

The shifting landscapes of the past year have underscored the value of staying connected and keeping the lines of communication open across the tech transfer community. With that in mind, AUTM is placing renewed emphasis on these peer-driven communities. Some groups are getting a fresh spark, including the Compliance and Social Innovation SIGs, while several new communities are forming around timely topics such as Model Agreements, Small Business Development Centers, and Drug Repurposing and Reformulation.   

“One of AUTM’s greatest strengths is the willingness of our Members to share what they’ve learned”, says Colleen Loeffler, AUTM Chief Administrative and Membership Officer. “The SIGs are a place where the conversations can go deeper and where the collective expertise of the community really shines.”  

SIGs are designed to keep the momentum going and connect professionals who want to compare approaches and learn from one another’s experiences. It’s another way AUTM helps turn individual insights into collective knowledge for the entire tech transfer community.  

View the SIG Q&A including step-by-step instructions on how to join!