T2 Stars: Ami Gadhia - Innovating Through Effective IP Negotiations

T2 Stars highlights people who are making a difference and leaving their mark on the federal tech transfer community. Ami Gadhia is a senior technology transfer and patenting specialist for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) with a background in chemical engineering and intellectual property (IP) law. She launched her technology transfer career at Johns Hopkins University, rising to become a portfolio director for technology licensing at Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures.

How did you get involved in technology transfer?

I had worked on technology transfer policy for international jurisdictions when I was at the International Intellectual Property Institute (IIPI), a think tank focused on promoting IP and the transfer of such worldwide. After that, I worked at a law firm where I had the opportunity to work on a license agreement. I thoroughly enjoy negotiating the different aspects of that agreement type. I researched institutions that focus on IP licensing and came across a university technology transfer office, where I interviewed and landed a job — and the rest, as they say, is history.

What do you love about your job?

I love negotiating IP agreements! I particularly enjoy aligning interests, growing the pie and finding win-win solutions for all stakeholders.

What is your most valuable skill or asset at work?

My ability to listen well and adapt to changing situations.

What’s the biggest challenge in your position?

I’d say the biggest challenge in my position is losing talented colleagues from the office to other opportunities. It’s understandable and I’m happy for their professional development. However, losing their institutional memories and experiences definitely leaves a void.

What do you wish more people knew about NCATS?

NCATS is comprised of a very talented and diverse team of people who are committed to its mission of bringing more treatments for all people more quickly. Innovation is part of our culture, and we all strive to advance the field of translational sciences.

What has been your favorite FLC experience?

The *FLC panel that I was on was by far the best FLC experience that I’ve had. We had an engaged audience where many counterparts asked very insightful questions. One question from a National Cancer Institute (NCI) colleague led to a follow-up presentation by my NCATS colleagues and I just recently. We spoke about a new agreement type, which could be a helpful tool for another NIH institute such as NCI.

What do you do for fun?

I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy doing yoga, reading and discussing books, listening to music and exploring new places.

What advice would you give to someone new to the tech transfer profession?

Keep an open mind and try to obtain experience, even if unpaid. Hands-on experience and observing negotiations are very helpful before you are expected to do this on your own.

*Note: Watch the full recording of Ami’s panel discussion, titled “NCATS Advances Translational Research via Collaborations and the Synergistic Blending of Extramural and Intramural Programs,” in the FLC Learning Center. Visit FLC Education and click the button to “Go to the FLC Learning Center.” If it’s your first time, create a free account. Go to the “Courses” tab, select “FLC National Meeting 2024,” and scroll down to find this course and browse dozens of courses and presentations from the conference.