Head, Transfercenter for Science, Economy, Society, University of Innsbruck
Sara was a member of the Board of ASTP from May 2010 to May 2013 (Vice president programming) and President of ASTP from May 2013 to November 2014 and is now member of the Programming Committee.
Sara finished her PhD in Physics in 1998 and did her Habilitation in Experimental Physics in 2005. After more than 10 years in research she started her education in the field of Intellectual Property Rights and became registered technology transfer professional in January 2012. She was member of several technology transfer expert groups in Austria and Germany and served as an innovation expert for a H2020 project.
After more then 10 years in technology transfer, Sara worked in collaboration with the rectorate and her colleagues on a strategy to further improve the services in knowledge transfer at the University of Innsbruck. As a result three former independent institutions (two staff units and one external limited company) merged into the Transfercenter Science, Economy, Society, University of Innsbruck.
The new Transfercenter was established to provide one clearly visible interface between the university and actors from economy and society. The aim of the Transfercenter is to act as an entrance to the huge knowledge pool of the university. On the one hand the Transfercenter supports collaborative research projects in all scientific fields, while on the other hand it interacts with industry and other external bodies in the area of career and alumni services.
This comprehensive approach enables a coherent performance in relationship management and enhance the reputation of the university as being a professional partner for all regional as well as international stakeholders.
Main tasks of the Transfercenter are: initiate and manage collaborative research projects, promote commercialisation of university know how, support and manage spin-off activities, extend the alumni network, provide career services to industry and other external bodies as well as students, enhance the entrepreneurial mindset of university employees and students and support the university government in its fundraising activities.