As Director of the Technology Transfer Office at the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Laurie Arrants has provided the leadership and vision that have been instrumental in facilitating transfer of the innovative research carried out by the NINDS scientists to industrial partners and collaborators. She has demonstrated novel and creative methods to accomplish the transfer of numerous technologies and services on behalf of NINDS, as well as the entire NIH community. She is recognized agency-wide for her efforts to promote efficiencies and enhance collaborative efforts, and has demonstrated leadership in promoting the best practices for technology transfer. Because of her efforts, NINDS investigators are well-informed about the commercialization process, provided with guidance concerning regulatory issues, and assured that proper agreements are utilized to most effectively advance their science. 

Ms. Arrants is widely considered to be an expert in technology transfer, and her advice and input are sought by all levels at NIH and across the federal laboratory community. She is also active in the technology transfer community. She has served as a Member-at-Large on the Executive Board of the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC), a Fundamentals Training Instructor at FLC National meetings, and a vital member of the Mid-Atlantic Region and the Region’s Planning Committee. 

Ms. Arrants is currently serving as Vice Chair of the NIH/FDA Technology Development and Transfer Committee (TDTC). As a member of the TDTC, she worked to increase access to shared technology transfer data, helped to improve procedural functions that provide cost savings to NIH, and provided valuable input on improving marketing strategies. She is also a recipient of the NINDS Individual Merit Award, the HHS Special Act or Service Award, the NCI Customer Service Award, and the NCI Technology Transfer Service Award. 

Ms. Arrants’ willingness to take on the difficult jobs and ask the difficult questions has made her one of the most respected technology transfer professionals at NIH. Her desire to provide the best service to NINDS through strong advocacy and innovative thinking is unparalleled. She is always willing to extend herself personally, think creatively, and consider new and different approaches to long-held ideas.