AURP Response: New Cap on NIH Facilities & Administrative Costs of Research

AURP has released a response on the sudden change in NIH policy concerning reimbursement of institutions for medical research and funds needed for bio research infrastructure in research facilities across the United States (note: on Feb. 10, a federal judge temporarily blocked the NIH from carrying out the administration's plan to cap payments for costs indirectly related to research):

“AURP opposes the new NIH Indirect Cost Rate Policy. Communities across the nation are building life science hubs and re-shoring bio manufacturing to urban, suburban and rural communities. Bio research institutions in these areas will be immediately impacted by this policy that overturns decades of precedent. Funding research and clinical lab facilities makes the U.S. the world’s bio science leader," says Mark Romney, Co-Chair of the AURP BIO Health Caucus and Senior Vice President for Blue Rise Ventures. Read more.

AURP Launches Resource Guide in Response

AURP also has launched a special Resource Guide on the cap on NIH Facilities & Administrative Costs of Research – "What It Means For Bio Communities of Innovation and How to Get Involved."

AURP's Resource Guide is for members and others to understand the background on reimbursement policies of NIH. AURP also is working with its partners in industry, the research community, academia and others to overturn this sudden change in the federal government’s investment in a critical technology for national competitiveness.

Visit our Resource Guide and recommended action plan.

How Much Revenue Does Each State Stand to Lose?

(interactive map)

Credit: Jeff Murphy

For this week's "One Text With . . . ", we gladly present Andrew Grand-Pierre, MS, Director of Licensing with Louisiana Tech University's Technology Transfer Office!

AURP: "Hi Andrew! What are some new R&D and commercialization developments or projects at Louisiana Tech?"

Andrew: “The State of Louisiana has been awarded a $160 million National Science Foundation grant and $67.5 million in state funding through FUEL (Future Use of Energy in Louisiana). FUEL will work to solve emerging challenges in areas like carbon capture, low-carbon fuels, water use and management, sustainable manufacturing and policy development. Louisiana Tech University representatives serve on each subcommittee and have worked closely with key collaborators within the state who have received funding on projects in these areas.”

AURP: "Thank you Andrew for sharing this news - keep us in the loop on FUEL's next milestones!"

AURP COMMUNITY PULSE

WV Regional Technology Park's Matt Ballard

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 2:30pm-3:00pm ET

Our first Members-only Community Pulse was a HIT!

Our next member-sharing discussion features Matt Ballard, CEO & Executive Director of the West Virginia Regional Technology Park.

Don't miss this the opportunity to learn from and interact with colleagues!

Join us each month to learn from your peers "one beat at a time" at AURP's Community Pulse:

MARCH 13, 2:30pm ET | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES 

Hal Monbouquette, PhD, Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

APRIL 17, 2:30pm ET | MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY INNOVATION CAMPUS

Mark Sharpe, Executive Directors, MSU Innovation Campus

Resources & Announcements

Charlie Dilks Memorial Fund

The AURP community continues to honor the extraordinary life of Charles "Charlie" Day Dilks, an AURP founding member and former President (1998-2000), who passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at age 83. 

As shared by Vickie Palmer, AURP CEO, "Charlie was a friend to all, and always ready to offer his kindness and mentorship support. Since notice of Charlie's passing, I have had the honor to hear from so many veteran and newer members on their fond memories and experiences with Charlie."

We're grateful to Charlie and his family for requesting memorial donations be made to AURP as one of 4 organizations that Charlie loved and supported during his lifetime. Donations received will support the AURP Regional Partnership Development Program designed to support our members in furthering partnerships with HBCUs and MSIs within their regions.

Our sincere thanks to so many in our community who have provided their support of this fund, especially including the University City Science Center.

DONATE HERE.

AURP-Stiletto: 2025 Survey

Respond by Wed, February 19th

Working in partnership with our friends from the Stiletto market research firm, AURP is pleased to launch our new benchmarking survey focused on the economic impact of research parks and innovation districts across our ecosystem. This study builds upon the data collected in our previous benchmarking study, offering a view of how our member communities are evolving.

All Communities of Innovation are requested to participate in the AURP 2025 Survey to provide valuable insights into the economic contributions of parks and districts throughout North America.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS CRITICAL!

Complete the survey

by Wednesday, February 19

Watch January's COMMUNITY PULSE

Forum Featuring USF Research Park's

Allison Madden

Allison Madden, MBA, AURP President and Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary at the University of South Florida Research Park, kicked off our peer-to-peer discussion last month in a live online member forum!

Allison gives a first-hand, comprehensive tour of all the goings-on and new projects and facilities at the USF Research Park.

Join us each month to learn from one of your peers "one beat at a time" at AURP's Community Pulse - register now!

Kansas State University has unveiled a new collaborative office space that will catalyze research commercialization, industry partnerships and economic growth. The facility is in the Kansas State University Foundation’s Edge District and brings together three entities: the Kansas State University Research Foundation, the Office of Corporate Engagement and K-State 105. Kansas Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland joined K-State President Richard Linton and other university leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Read more.

Tuskegee University has partnered with alumnus Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a Tuskegee alum and Founder of Johnson Energy Storage, to establish the Dr. Lonnie Johnson Technology Research and Incubation Center. This initiative aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and faculty, providing resources and support for developing new technologies and bringing them to market. The center will serve as a hub for research, collaboration and the commercialization of innovative ideas, strengthening Tuskegee's commitment to advancing technological development and economic growth. (Dr. Johnson [left] is shown with Tuskegee President, Dr. Mark Brown.) Read more.

The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Andrew (Andy) Maas as its new Assistant Vice President for Technology Transfer within its Discovery to Impact team. In this role, Maas will lead the university's research commercialization efforts and oversee the protection and commercialization of its intellectual property. He brings extensive experience from his previous position as Associate Vice President for Research at Louisiana State University and currently serves as the Board Chair of the Association of University Technology Managers. Read more. Read more.

The state of Maryland, the University of Maryland and IonQ have announced a landmark public-private partnership to catalyze $1 billion in investments to position the state as a global leader in quantum information science and technology. The initiative plans to combine state funds, federal grants, private-sector investments and philanthropic contributions over the next five years. The University of Maryland intends to recruit leading quantum scientists, expand access to the National Quantum Laboratory in partnership with IonQ, and grow its Quantum Startup Foundry. Read more.  

The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is celebrating its 40th anniversary as a catalyst for innovation and economic development in South Florida. Established in 1985, the Research Park has been instrumental in transforming Boca Raton into a technology business hub, supporting numerous companies, creating thousands of jobs and diversifying the regional economy. Notable successes include Mod Med, The SilverLogic, and ShipMonk, all featured on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. Read more.

#AURPinAction

Economic Impact Reports

Research parks, innovation districts and tech hubs are strong economic, job-creating engines and contribute to economic development in local communities, regions, states and nations.

Our AURP website features current impact studies that illustrate the dynamic impact of university research parks, innovation districts and tech hubs.

Take a look at Clemson University's (home to its Innovation Campus and Technology Park) 2024 Economic Impact Study!

We're ready to include your impact report on our website! Learn more.

AURP CAREER CENTER

Check out the AURP Career Center to discover your

next career opportunity, including:



• Chief Executive Officer – McMaster Innovation Park (Hamilton, ON)
• Dean, School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences – University of California San Diego
• Executive Director of Real Estate Development – University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
• Associate Vice President for Research Administration – University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• Associate Vice President for Research Advancement – University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
• President and Chief Executive Officer – Nexus Louisiana (Baton Rouge, LA)