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Tobin (Toby) Smith is Vice President for Policy at the Association of American Universities (AAU), an
organization of 59 leading U.S. and 2 Canadian research universities devoted to maintaining a strong
system of academic research and education. At AAU, Toby oversees and coordinates the association’s
policy and policy analysis activities. Among other things, he is responsible for issues relating to
innovation, competitiveness, energy, openness and security, technology commercialization and research
costs.
Prior to joining AAU in January 2003, Toby was the Director of Federal Relations for Research for the
University of Michigan, where one of his primary responsibilities was conducting research development
activities on behalf of the Vice President for Research. From 1992-1999, he served as Federal Relations
Representative and Assistant Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Washington
D.C. Office. From 1988 to 1992, Toby served as a legislative assistant to Congressman Bob Traxler (DMichigan).
Toby has written and spoken widely on science policy and funding issues. He is the co-author of a book
on national science policy published in 2008 by the University of Michigan Press titled, Beyond Sputnik –
U.S. Science Policy in the 21st Century. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Legislative Affairs from
George Washington University, and a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from the University of
Michigan.

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