Andrew W. Torrance

Andrew W. Torrance is a Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law, specializing in the legal and ethical implications of emerging technologies. His research spans Intellectual Property Law, Biotechnology Law, and Artificial Intelligence Regulation, with a focus on biodiversity governance, environmental law, and innovation policy.

• Email: torrance@ku.edu
• Office: Green Hall, room #504

His work explores the intersection of law, technology, and sustainability, including the environmental impact of AI systems, the regulation of autonomous artificial intelligence, and the legal challenges of molecular de-extinction. Recent publications address biodiversity crisis governance through the HIPPO framework (Habitat loss, Invasive species, Pollution, Population, Overharvesting) and the ethical dimensions of AI-generated content certification.

Scientific Awards:

• Paul E. Wilson Distinguished Professor

His scholarship also investigates the evolving landscape of Biotechnology Patent Law, analyzing cases and trends that shape intellectual property rights in fields like synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and pharmaceuticals. He has contributed extensively to discussions about innovation without patents, open access, and the role of patients as medical innovators.