Advancing Innovation in Research at University of Utah
James Hotaling, MD, MS, surgeon-scientist, accomplished entrepreneur, and board-certified urologist was appointed the new Associate Vice President for Research Innovation and Translation (AVPRIT) for the University of Utah research enterprise.
As the University of Utah undergoes a vast restructuring of its research entity to better address critical needs and drive the Utah economy, Hotaling is a strategic fit for both the university and the department.
“Utah has the fastest growing biotech economy in the United States,” Hotaling explained, indicating how Utah and the Department of Surgery are poised for innovative growth.
Hotaling has the perfect combination of skills to drive opportunity and growth across all platforms. He is a practicing surgeon with an extensive background in science, technology, and commercialization, and has successfully founded, operated, and sold multiple medical device and biotech companies. He holds patents, licenses technologies, and collaborates extensively to drive innovation in research and startups.
As the new AVPRIT, Hotaling will assist faculty in taking their research beyond the university setting to create widely distributed products addressing real-world issues. He will introduce new programs and funding for faculty commercialization. Additionally, Hotaling will boost the university's presence in national innovation and translational research by engaging both internal and external stakeholders.
“Ultimately our greatest asset in the innovation and translational space is our world-class faculty. My goal is to make it easy to innovate and commercialize their ideas.”