UW-Madison Officials announced Tuesday the Association of University Technology Managers presented the Bayh-Dole award to a director of government and association relations for the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.

Andrew Cohn received the award for his services at WARF on Feb. 28.

“It’s about providing information to the Congress and to other universities about the impact on patent registration that’s being considered before Congress and other types of registration around the country,” said Cohn.

According to a statement, the Bayh-Dole award honors an outstanding contributor who has been supportive of technological transfer performance.

Janet Kelly, spokesperson for WARF, said Cohn truly understands the issues regarding intellectual property protection and the importance of receiving the Bayh-Dole.

“He has very good relationship-building skills and the ability to connect others who share our goals and create really compelling messages and interactions with people who can be supportive,” Kelly said.

Cohn worked as the manager of government and media relations for WARF in 2001, according to the statement.

Cohn was hesitant to take too much credit for WARF’s work.

“A number of people contributed to this effort and they are equally deserving of recognition, but it’s very nice,” said Cohn.