Upcoming Seminars

Join us March 26 from 12 to 1p.m. for the next session of OHSU Innovates Foundations: Navigating Research to Impact, a virtual seminar series designed to support researchers at all career stages.

This session, "Intellectual Property 101: Key Concepts for Researchers," will provide practical guidance on using intellectual property to protect and advance research. Attendees will learn how different types of intellectual property work, how protection is established and strategies for integrating IP into research and innovation plans.

To guide this discussion, Janina Malone, J.D., M.A., patent attorney at Lee & Hayes P.C., brings more than 20 years of experience helping clients across life science industries protect discoveries, develop patent portfolios and navigate patentability and freedom-to-operate considerations.

Joining her is Cole Brashaw, who recently completed his neuroscience Ph.D. at OHSU. Cole used advanced genetic and molecular tools to study neurodegeneration and has published his work in Neurobiology of Disease. He is now pursuing opportunities as a patent specialist or patent agent with plans to sit for the patent bar later this year. Cole will share insights from a researcher’s perspective on leveraging IP to support innovation, protect discoveries and advance early-career opportunities.

This free webinar is designed to help researchers at all levels understand how intellectual property can support their work, guide strategic decisions and expand opportunities for innovation.

Past Seminars

Sustaining and Scaling Innovative Training Programs

Explore how occupational health research is being translated into practical, scalable tools for organizations and leaders. In this session, Leslie B. Hammer, Ph.D., professor and director of the Oregon Healthy Workforce Center, and Erin Flynn, Ph.D., director of outreach operations at the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Science, discuss the research foundations behind innovative workplace mental health initiatives, practical strategies for real-world implementation, and approaches to effective dissemination and long-term impact across industries. (Recorded Feb. 19, 2026, as part of the Innovates Speaker Series)

Innovation and Commercialization Internship: Fundamentals of Technology Transfer, Business Development and Patent Law

Hear from Nicole Garrison, program administrator in OHSU Technology Transfer, in an information session introducing the fundamentals of technology transfer, business development and patent law. Designed for those newer to innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship in academia, the session provides a high-level overview of key concepts and processes. Using the OHSU Innovation and Commercialization Internship program as a framework, it covers the technology transfer lifecycle, the pillars of academic business development and intellectual property protection. (Recorded Jan. 13, 2026)

Making it Patentable: Intellectual Property and Translational Impact

Step into the discussion between cancer biologist Monika Davare, Ph.D., and senior patent manager Steve Eck, J.D., as they examine how academic discoveries can be aligned with intellectual property and commercialization strategies. This fireside chat explores key considerations for researchers, from understanding inventorship versus authorship to navigating publishing timelines, and highlights how strategic thinking about IP can amplify translational impact. (Recorded Dec. 18, 2025, as part of the Drug Discovery Sessions virtual seminar series)

Getting Started with Tech Transfer Essentials: Foundational Knowledge for Researchers

Hear from OHSU Ph.D. candidate Kenneth Riley and Travis Cook, Senior Director of OHSU Technology Transfer, for an accessible introduction to how research innovations move through the technology transfer process. This session covers the initial steps of the tech transfer process, including disclosure and IP protection, and offers practical guidance for early-career researchers interested in understanding how innovations progress beyond the lab. (Recorded Nov. 20, 2025, as part of the virtual seminar series, Navigating Research to Impact)

Making it to Market: Strategies that Work

Bringing healthcare innovations to market takes strategy, resilience, and adaptability. In this session, Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D. (OHSU), Rachel Dreilinger (NeuraMedica), and Philippe Marchand, Ph.D. (OHSU), share real-world lessons, pivotal decisions, and practical strategies for moving from idea to impact. Designed for early-stage innovators, the discussion offers candid insights to help clarify goals, anticipate challenges, and plan next steps. (Recorded October 3, 2025, as part of the 2025 BIP Corp Biomedical Innovation Commercialization Readiness Program)

The Translational Turn: A Fireside Chat on Making Basic Science Drug-Ready

Step into the series launch with Sanjay Malhotra, Ph.D., and Nabil J. Alkayed, M.D., Ph.D., as they examine how research can better support therapeutic development. The session explores how strategic adjustments lead to greater discovery and translational success. (Recorded July 31, 2025, as part of the Drug Discovery Sessions virtual seminar series)

Rethinking Funding: Tapping into New Streams of Research Support

Seeking research funding beyond the standard federal grants? Don’t miss this timely seminar with expert panelists from industry, foundations, and state organizations sharing practical strategies to help you identify and secure alternative support. (Recorded May 29, 2025, as part of the 2025 virtual seminar series, Innovation for all: A path forward)

Exploring Beyond Academia: Career Paths for PhDs

Ready to take your PhD beyond academia? Watch this dynamic webinar diving into exciting career paths in regulatory affairs, industry R&D, startups, patent law and more. Hear from professionals who’ve made the leap, learn how to pivot your skills, and discover what’s possible when you think outside the academic lab. (Recorded May 15, 2025, as part of the 2025 virtual seminar series, Innovation for all: A path forward)

Turning Your Research into Real-World Impact with Technology Transfer

Explore the ins and outs of technology transfer, the process of moving discoveries from research to market. Featuring insights from the OHSU Technology Development and Licensing Team, this session provides practical guidance and real-world examples to help you navigate the path from discovery to commercialization. (Recorded May 8, 2025, as part of the 2025 virtual seminar series, Innovation for all: A path forward)

Identifying and Innovating for Unmet Needs

Learn how Amanda Bruegl, M.D. has harnessed her roles as a physician, researcher, innovator and entrepreneur to pioneer meaningful solutions for unmet needs in healthcare and beyond. (Recorded May 1, 2025, as part of the 2025 virtual seminar series, Innovation for all: A path forward)

Advancing Care: Non-Profits Driving Rare Disease Innovation

Discover how two pioneering nonprofits are transforming the landscape of rare disease research. In this session, Penny Hogarth, M.D. of the Spoonbill Foundation and Tommy Pham of the Raiden Science Foundation share how their organizations are overcoming the unique challenges of rare genetic disorders through global collaboration, innovative funding, and cutting-edge science. (Recorded Oct. 31, 2024)

Promoting Inventor Equity in Patenting

Gain practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in expanding participation in patenting. Featuring IP attorney Stephen Sullivan, J.D., with OHSU’s Carmem Pfeifer, D.D.S., Ph.D., and Ruchi Thanawala, M.D., M.S., this session explores how to support a broader range of inventors in bringing their ideas to market. (Recorded Apr. 17, 2024)