Ellen Kats, PhD

As an Assistant Director of Licensing at Innovation Ventures, Ellen is responsible for sourcing and completing high value deals for UCSF's most commercially attractive technologies. In addition to helping bring UCSF's innovation from bench to bedside, Ellen manages a large and diverse IP portfolio, advises faculty/staff on IP strategy, and negotiates intellectual property terms for large-scale industry collaborations.

Ellen has been managing intellectual property on behalf of UCSF since February 2007, when she initially joined the Office of Technology Management. Over these years, Ellen has completed a wide range of partnering deals, and played critical roles in the formations of many UCSF start-ups which have gone on to have successful IPOs or acquisitions. Ellen holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from UC San Diego, as well as a B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UC Berkeley. Her scientific background is strongest in molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, and human and yeast genetics.

Ellen is passionate about aiding UCSF faculty and staff in realizing the fullest commercial potential in their inventions, and helping UCSF achieve its mission of advancing health worldwide through strategic partnerships leading to successes in clinical development and health sciences.