Media ReleasesThe Association of University Research Parks is a professional association of university related research and science parks. For more information, email [email protected]
AURP Announces Departure of Chief Executive Officer Carol Stewart
Tucson, Arizona, October 17, 2018 –
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) announced today that Chief Executive Officer Carol Stewart will be stepping down from her current role as of October 26, 2018, to pursue a new opportunity, which will be announced in the near future. “Carol has been a dedicated leader and strong advocate for university research parks and the communities they impact. We are grateful for the service she has provided to AURP and wish her continued success in her career,” said AURP President Mason Ailstock. “The CEO position provides an opportunity for an experienced and dedicated executive to build on what she has accomplished as we continue to move AURP forward and serve our membership.” Read more.
Tucson, Arizona, August 20, 2018 –
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) has developed a report for the federal government on ways to improve the economic impact of federally funded research. The AURP report for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was in response to a request for ideas issued by the federal government to improve the economic impact of funded research. Read more.
Tucson, Arizona, March 12, 2018 – Association of University Research Parks (AURP) members and staff, in conjunction with State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI), met with U.S. Congressional members and delegates to demonstrate the association’s support of, and to request additional funding for, the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Regional Innovation Program and an upcoming bill known as the Startup Act (S. 1877). The EDA’s Regional Innovation Program is an initiative that supports innovation-driving activities through state, regional and local entities to utilize existing resources, collaboration and continued support of economic recovery. These efforts are focused in high-growth industries by supporting local organizations to drive the transition of research out of labs and into the commercial marketplace through the vast experience and knowledge of entrepreneurs and a startup culture with proven success. Read more. University of Maryland’s Discovery District to Host 2018 AURP International Conference Tucson, Arizona, November 8, 2017 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) announces the University of Maryland’s Discovery District as the host for the AURP annual International Conference, to be held in College Park, Md., October 22–26, 2018. “The University of Maryland is very proud to act as the host for AURP’s 2018 International Conference,” said Brian Darmody, Associate Vice President for Corporate and Foundation Relations, University of Maryland, and past AURP President. “The Baltimore-Washington area is a thriving technology corridor, and the University of Maryland Discovery District is a perfect venue to demonstrate the value of research parks as the true intersections of science and innovation.” Read more. AURP Announces Awards of Excellence Winners at 2017 International Conference Huntsville, Alabama, October 12, 2017 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announced the recipients of the Awards of Excellence recognized during its 2017 International Conference hosted by Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, AL. Additionally, AURP announced the results of the election for its 2018 Board of Directors. Categories for the 2017 Awards of Excellence include the coveted Outstanding Research Park Award, Emerging Research Park Award, Career Achievement Award, Leadership Award, Developing Communities of Innovation Award and Innovation Award. Read more. The Association of University Research Parks Kicks Off Its 2017 International Conference in Huntsville Today Huntsville, Alabama, October 9, 2017 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) launches its annual International Conference (IC2017) today in Huntsville, Alabama with university research park host, Cummings Research Park (CRP)—one of the largest and longest standing research parks in the world. The conference is primarily being held at The Westin Huntsville today through October 12, 2017, with the Awards of Excellence Dinner taking place at the stunning U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Additionally, a tour of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology will conclude the conference on October 12. Read more. Association of University Research Parks Invites Southeast Regional Leaders to Experience Its 2017 International Conference Hosted by Cummings Research Park in Huntsville Tucson, AZ, September 28, 2017 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) welcomes business, university and research park leaders to attend its 2017 International Conference (IC2017) in Huntsville, Alabama. Under the theme of “Launching Cities. Catalyzing Legacies,” this year’s conference takes place October 9 to 12. Cummings Research Park (CRP), the conference host, is one of the largest and longest standing research parks in the world and is best known for its early and on-going impact on the aerospace, defense and technology industries. “Despite its history as a research park, CRP has long been a catalyst for change and growth having played a pivotal role in the development of the U.S. aerospace and defense industries and related high-tech enterprises,” said AURP President Mason Ailstock. “It truly embodies AURP’s conference theme for this year, and we are excited to invite its neighbors to attend IC2017. The Southeast is truly a ‘hot bed’ for innovation.” Read more. Tucson, AZ, March 14, 2017 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) announced today that Carol Stewart has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Stewart is an experienced research park leader with a more than 25-year career serving the academic/not-for-profit sector, as well as the high-tech industry in Waterloo region located in Ontario, Canada. In addition to Ms. Stewart’s appointment, AURP formally announced its 2017 Board of Directors and executive officers. Ms. Stewart currently manages the David Johnston Research + Technology Park at the University of Waterloo, where she spearheads creation, planning, and development of the park, among other responsibilities, and she leaves the R+T Park as it approaches the one-million-square-foot milestone. Ms. Stewart is the Co-Founder and Immediate Past-President of AURP Canada (the association’s Canadian chapter) and has been an active board member of AURP since 2010. “Throughout Carol’s career and during her time with AURP Canada, she has demonstrated her ability to foster collaboration and cultivate innovation amongst every level and type of partner and affiliate. She empowers those around her and encourages a drive that is infectious. We are excited about our selection of Ms. Stewart as the next AURP leader to continue to move forward both the Association and research parks,” said AURP President Mason Ailstock, President and Founder of Convergent Consultants, PBC. “Additionally, we are equally pleased with this year’s AURP board appointees, and look forward to an exciting year.” Read more. AURP Elects New 2017 Board Members and Executive Officers TUCSON, AZ, Oct. 13, 2016 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announces the election of its new 2017 board members and new executive officers. Newly elected members of the AURP Board include:
Charles D’Agostino, MBA, Executive Director of the LSU Innovation Park, completed his two-year term as President of the AURP Board of Directors and will continue as Past President of AURP. Mason Ailstock, President and CEO of Convergent Consultants, PBC, former COO of The Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, will now serve as AURP President for a two-year term. Jeanne Mell, Vice President of Marketing Communications at The University City Science Center, will serve as Vice President. Ken Marcus, Director at University of Arizona Science and Technology Park and Chief Financial Officer of the Campus Research Corporation, will serve as Treasurer. Tiffany Griego, MBA, Managing Director of Asset Management for Stanford Real Estate, will serve as Secretary. At-large officers include, Leah Burton, Director, Partnership Office & Industry Alliances, Centennial Campus, North Carolina State University, and Aaron Miscenich, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, New Orleans BioInnovation Center, Inc. “University research parks are the hubs for innovation and collaboration throughout the world—fostering groundbreaking discoveries that are brought about through unique partnerships,” said new AURP President Ailstock. “Research parks are the convergence of industry, private companies and academia—bridging the gap and working to cultivate a more prosperous global future. It is both my honor and pleasure to assume the role of AURP President, and I look forward to taking the association to new heights.” Read more. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, September 29, 2016 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP), a professional association of university related research and science parks, announced today the winners of its 21st Annual Awards of Excellence, which were presented during an awards luncheon held at the association’s 2016 International Conference in Oklahoma City. Award categories included: the Outstanding Research Park Award, Emerging Research Park Award, Innovation Awards, Career Achievement Award, and the Leadership Award. The Outstanding Research Park Award recognizes university research parks and their leadership and encourages continuous evaluation and development of best practices for the research park community. This year’s prestigious award in this category went to Western Research Parks, part of Western University located at London, Ontario in Canada. The community of three research park campuses includes the original park now named Western Discovery Park, the Western Advanced Manufacturing Park and the Western-Sarnia-Lambton Research Park. “Western is extremely proud to be the first research park in Ontario to receive this recognition,” said University of Western Ontario President Amit Chakma. “Not only are we creating a world-class research culture at Western, but we’re doing so in conjunction with our community to bring both economic and societal benefits locally, nationally and internationally.” The parks serve as a major showcase of Western University’s commitment to both research, with the Stiller Centre, Canada’s largest biotech incubator, the Bowman Centre, Canada’s largest clean-tech incubator, focused on large-scale industrial technology—as well as economic development and engagement within the region, with an estimated $125 million contributed back to the local community. “This is a fitting recognition for our research parks, which have played a significant role in fortifying relationships between academics and the business community for nearly 30 years,” said Western’s Vice President Research John Capone. “We’re proud of the companies the parks have attracted, strengthened and retained in our region—allowing us to become a key contributor to southwestern Ontario’s business ecosystem." Read more. AURP 2016 International Conference Kicks-off in Oklahoma City OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, September 28, 2016 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) kicked-off its annual International Conference today in Oklahoma City (OKC) with hosts University of Oklahoma (OU) Research Campus and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. This event is being held primarily at the Skirvin Hilton today through September 30, 2016—drawing industry experts and research park leaders from across the U.S. and internationally. This year’s theme is “Harnessing the Winds of Change: Pioneering the Future of Ingenuity at University Research Parks.” With research parks evolving and changing rapidly, parks are forced to examine and improve upon current processes and strategies. This year’s conference will address this movement, as well as the current university research park landscape, and provide insight and best practices on how research parks can thrive through the power of ingenuity. Read more. Tucson, AZ, April 11, 2016 – Today, University research park leaders, as well as science, innovation and technology park executives gather from across the country to kick-off the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) annual Spring Training Meeting in Tempe, Arizona. Spring Training is a five-day, unique and intense professional development event that is tailored to address issues and possible scenarios that university research park directors face in their positions. Spring Training also includes optional events that provide opportunities for attendees to meet and network with other park directors. “We consistently hear from attendees, that Spring Training is the event that research park leaders should attend," said AURP President Charlie D'Agostino. "We tap innovative thought leaders that bring valuable tools and innovation solutions to help our attendees shape the vision and direction of their parks. It’s an opportunity for research park directors to receive the most tailored professional training available in the world.” Read more. AURP Elects New Board Members and Executive Officers Tucson, AZ October 7, 2015 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announces the election of its new 2016 board members and the election of new executive officers. Charles D’Agostino, MBA, Executive Director of the LSU Innovation Park, will complete the second year of his two-year term as President of its Board of Directors in 2016. Greg Hyer, Associate Director of the University of Wisconsin, Madison Research Park will serve as Vice President. Ken Marcus, Director of UA Tech Parks and Chief Financial Officer of the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park will serve as Treasurer, and Mason Ailstock, Chief Operating Officer of Research Triangle Park will serve as Secretary. Kevin Byrne, President of The University Financing Foundation, will continue as Past President of AURP.
AURP 2015 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE Buffalo October 1, 2015 – University of Maryland Research Park today takes home top honors as the Association of University Research Parks’ 2015 Outstanding Research Park, at the AURP Annual Awards of Excellence, hosted by Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. This award program recognizes the achievements of outstanding university research parks and those who direct them, and encourages the development of best practices.
The UM Research Park is a public-private partnership between Corporate Office Properties Trust and the University of Maryland (UMD). UMD works with all Research Park companies to provide synergistic and collaborative opportunities. The Research Park offers locations from incubator space for start up companies to build-to-suit options for larger technology clients.
AURP 2015 International Conference to Focus on Creativity in Buffalo Tucson, Ariz., February 24, 2015 -- The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus will host university research, science and technology park executives in Buffalo, New York, for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) 2015 International Conference this September. The conference will focus on the role creativity plays in innovation, taking inspiration that the concept of brainstorming originated in Buffalo. Expert Presenters Tackle Emerging Trends at Spring Training Tucson, Ariz., February 11, 2015 -- A carefully selected roster of experts will present during six modules at the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) annual Spring Training Meeting in Tempe, Arizona in March.
2015 Spring Training presenters include:
Research Park Executives Meeting to Hone Skills, Expertise Tucson, Ariz., January 21, 2015 -- University research, science and technology park executives will convene in March at the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) annual Spring Training Meeting in Tempe, Arizona.
"Spring Training is a workshop unlike any other," said AURP President Charlie D'Agostino. "Top experts are brought together in one room for in-depth discussions, providing park directors the opportunity to learn from one another best approaches to ensure that universities and their research parks continue to lead our nation's innovation ecosystems." D'Agostino is also Executive Director of LSU Innovation Park at Louisiana State University and Executive Director of Louisiana Business & Technology Center. AURP Names Winners of 2014 Awards of Excellence Tucson, Ariz., December 9, 2014 -- The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) names the Technology Square at the Georgia Institute of Technology as the 2014 Outstanding Research/Science Park, as part of AURP’s Annual Awards of Excellence. This award program recognizes the achievements of outstanding research parks and those who direct them, and encourages the development of best practices among university research and science parks. AURP Elects New President, Officers and Board Members Tucson, Ariz., December 9, 2014 -- The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announced the selection of Charles F. D’Agostino, MBA, Executive Director, Louisiana Business & Technology Center and Louisiana State University (LSU) Innovation Park, as President of its Board of Directors. AURP also announced the election of their new officers and board members. University BioParks Serve as Source of Innovation as Pharmaceutical R&D Model Shifts Tucson, Ariz., April 29, 2014 -- In the face of rising drug research and development costs and continued pressures against increasing prices for medicines and health care services, the biopharmaceutical industry must find ways to increase innovation and efficiencies. The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announced that leaders from industry and academia will come together at the Janssen Research & Development West Coast Research Center in San Diego on June 23, 2014, for AURP's BioParks 2014 Meeting. Participants will address recent shifts in pharmaceutical R&D models and the role bioparks play in this evolution. University AURP Elects New Board and Officers Tucson, Ariz., October 7, 2013 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) today announced the election of its 2014 Board of Directors and new officers. Kevin Byrne, MBA, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of The University Financing Foundation, Inc. (TUFF), will serve as President of its Board of Directors in 2014. Byrne had previously served as AURP president in 2012. University Research Parks Drive Innovation and Growth Philadelphia, Pa., September 27, 2013 - University research parks are a successful way to advance innovation and create economic growth in regions across North America, according to a new report, “Driving Regional Innovation and Growth,” prepared by Battelle’s Technology Partnership Practice (TPP) in partnership with the Association of University Research Parks (AURP). Further, university research parks are an effective way to create new employment opportunities for existing technology companies, according to the report. AURP Names Winners of 2013 Awards of Excellence Philadelphia, Pa., September 26, 2013 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) named the Oklahoma University Research Campus as the 2013 Outstanding Research Park. The 18th Annual AURP Awards of Excellence ceremony, held this year in Philadelphia, recognized the achievements of outstanding research parks and those who direct them, and encourages the development of best practices among university research and science parks. Tucson, Ariz., July 16, 2013 – The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) announced today that Tom Ridge, Former Governor of Pennsylvania and First U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (now of the Ridge Policy Group), and Robert D. Atkinson, PhD, President, The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, will be two of the headline speakers at the AURP 2013 International Conference. Research park leaders from throughout the globe will come together in Philadelphia, Pa., from September 24 to 27 to consider issues and opportunities facing research park communities as they focus on “Inventing the Future.”. International Research Park Execs Launch New Partnerships at BioParks 2013 BioPark executives from around the world launched new partnerships and collaborations at the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) BioParks 2013 in Chicago. The half-day event attracted BioPark executives from Brazil, Germany, Republic of Korea, Spain, Australia, Canada, the United States and others. University City Science Center to Host AURP 2013 International Conference The University City Science Center will host university research, science and tech park executives in Philadelphia, Penn., for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) 2013 International Conference. AURP is focusing on the theme of the conference, “Inventing the Future”, and the important role research parks play in developing entrepreneurs, innovation and technology commercialization from university research. BioPark Executives to Meet in Advance of BIO In advance of the BIO International Convention, executives from university research, science and technology parks will gather in Chicago, Illinois for BioParks 2013: International Partnerships for Innovation. “Biotechnology is an economic development driver,” said Association of University Research Parks (AURP) President David Baker. “BioPark executives from around the world will share their strategies for developing international partnerships to drive innovation and economic development in their region.” Research Park Executives to Gather in Tempe University research, science and technology park executives will meet in Tempe, Arizona next month for Spring Training 2013, a series of workshops on best practices and challenges facing university research park professionals. “Spring Training is a favorite among our members,” said the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) President and Executive Director of the University Technology Park at the Illinois Institute of Technology David Baker. “The top experts are in one room, focused on helping you and your park succeed.” David Baker Elected President of the Association of University Research Parks David Baker, the Executive Director of the University Technology Park at the Illinois Institute of Technology, was elected President of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Board of Directors. AURP made the announcement on September 20th at the 2012 International Conference in Madison, Wisc. AURP Announces 2012 Awards of Innovation The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) named the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus as the 2012 Outstanding Research Park and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Research Park as the 2012 Emerging Research Park as the 17th Annual AURP Awards of Excellence were presented in Madison, Wisconsin on September 19th at the AURP 2012 International Conference. Communities Turn Old Buildings into New Opportunities Walk into the atrium of the University Technology Park at IIT near downtown Chicago and you’ll see a cutting-edge facility. Natural light pours into the common area. Take a stroll down the hallway and you’ll see wet and dry lab space and offices that are home to emerging companies. The building, on the historic Ludwig Mies van der Rohe campus, is busy with Illinois Institute of Technology undergraduates, entrepreneurs and researchers. Research Park and Incubator Executives to Meet in Dublin In advance of the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF), government officials and leaders from global research parks and technology incubators will join the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) and the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) for an executive forum on "Innovation Engines in an Era of Constraint." The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Chief Executive Officer Eileen Walker announced that Andrew Duffell, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, has been appointed to the AURP Board of Directors. The University Research Park at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will host executives from research, science and tech parks around the world this September for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) International Conference. Startup Companies Keep U.S. Competitive Six of the nation’s technology and entrepreneurial associations are joining forces to educate Congress on what they say is the secret to a thriving economy – innovation. Research Parks Create Jobs and Economic Growth Research, science and technology parks are catalysts for job creation. As communities look for ways to create jobs and drive economic growth, many are finding innovation to be a key element. UA Tech Park Director Ken Marcus Joins AURP Board of Directors The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) announces that Ken Marcus, Director of the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park has been elected to the AURP Board of Directors. Marcus has been actively engaged with AURP since joining the association in 1999. Community Leaders Use Research Parks to Create Jobs Research parks are helping communities kick start their economies, create jobs and attract new companies to their region. Serving as economic engines, parks are credited with creating local, regional and statewide jobs. One example of this is the University Research Park at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The park contributes more than $825 million to Wisconsin’s economy each year, according to a study conducted by NorthStar Economics Inc., of Madison. AURP Announces 2011 Awards of Excellence University research parks, innovation leaders and companies were recognized for excellence in innovation by the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) at the 2011 International Conference in New Orleans. AURP presented their 2011 Annual Awards of Excellence naming the Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign the 2011 Outstanding Research Park. The awards were presented at the AURP 2011 International Conference in New Orleans, December 1st. Walker Selected to Serve as Fulbright Specialist Eileen Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP), has been selected for service as a Fulbright Specialist by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, on behalf of the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars.
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