SUBJECT:

Appointment of Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Technology Commercialization

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Roben, Ph.D., as Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Technology Commercialization in the Office of Research Affairs effective June 15, 2015.

Currently he is Senior Director of Office Technology Development at the Salk Institute in La Jolla. At UC San Diego, Dr. Roben will work in concert with the Vice Chancellor for Research to transform the functions provided by the Technology Transfer Office, Industry Research Alliances and Industry Contracting into an integrated organization to include patenting with strategic corporate research partnering and industry contracts. The Innovation and Technology Commercialization division will also provide an integrated platform to promote a strategic and multidisciplinary approach to the commercialization of technologies, including the creation of start-ups at UC San Diego.

Prior to his work in Ireland, he founded his own drug-delivery company in San Diego, secured funding, and built a dedicated and highly effective team.

At Salk Institute, Paul worked with multiple academic institutes to develop strategic processes and drive innovation alliances, and help translate their research programs into products for patients and society. He guided the formation of multiple new start-up companies and was responsible for the negotiation of a broad spectrum of technology licenses to industry. In addition he:

• Led the Office of Technology Development (OTD), responsible for the business development, technology transfer and intellectual property functions of Salk.

• Developed a long-term vision and strategic plan for the institute to take advantage of new models for driving innovation activities and strategic alliances.

• Provided new direction for the office, driving more revenue-generating deals, and streamlining operations.

• Doubled the number of licenses, sponsored research agreements and collaborative agreements.

As a key member of Ireland’s Innovation Taskforce (2009 to present), he co-authored a national economic-development plan for Ireland, among other achievements; and, as Director of Biotechnology for Enterprise Ireland, he developed a strategic vision to commercialize technologies across the Irish research system, and managed a €30-million portfolio of investments in applied university-based research projects.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology, as well as his Ph.D., at Dublin City University in Ireland, and studied as a Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Greg Silverman at UC San Diego.

Paul’s combination of strategic experience and business-development expertise make him uniquely qualified for the key post of Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Technology Commercialization. Please join me in welcoming him to UC San Diego and the Office of Research Affairs.

Sandra A. Brown Vice Chancellor for Research