Since coming to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 1993, J. Terry Lynch has been an early, enthusiastic, and eloquent advocate and innovator for the process of federal technology transfer, even before its economic importance was widely recognized in the federal laboratory infrastructure.

Over the past 20 years, through his continuous participation in the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) in various roles, Mr. Lynch has gained recognition from his colleagues in the federal laboratory community as an unquestioned authority in all aspects of technology transfer. His reputation as a consummate technology transfer professional extends beyond the federal community to leading academic research institutions with which he has collaborated.

Through his high visibility and frequent long-term involvement in FLC events, Mr. Lynch encouraged the creation of a collegial and collaborative community of technology transfer practitioners who could be called upon to assist one another in matters of common interest concerning the emergence, recognition, and commercial exploitation of innovative technology originating from laboratory research. Most noteworthy in the creation of this professional community was his understanding of the importance of facilitating harmonious and effective communication across the many professional disciplines touching technology transfer, such as science, engineering, law, and business. In essence, throughout his long affiliation with the FLC, he has sought to increase the “franchise” and, consequently, the broad impact of all federal technology transfer professionals.

Mr. Lynch often took the position that technology transfer in the federal government involves far more than simply patenting inventions emerging from mission-oriented research and licensing them when opportunities arise.

Mr. Lynch often took the position that technology transfer in the federal government involves far more than simply patenting inventions emerging from mission-oriented research and licensing them when opportunities arise. He was an early and enthusiastic proponent of the idea that temporary employees, guest researchers, and postdoctoral fellows are important products of the technology transfer process when they complete their NIST tenure. To this end, as a key person he devoted much time and effort to the planning and execution of the Washington, D.C.- area Postdoctoral Conference jointly sponsored by NIST, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, the Kaufman Foundation, and other federal agencies.

Mr. Lynch has been an active and enthusiastic member of the FLC’s Planning and Policy Committee, the Legal Issues Committee, the Program Committee, the State and Local Government Committee, and the Education and Training Committee. He was twice elected FLC Member-at-Large, and is presently the NIST Host Agency Representative. Not content to serve in name only, he has been an aggressive, eloquent, and tireless advocate for federal technology transfer; is widely regarded as an authority on the subject; and generously shares his knowledge with his FLC colleagues.