At our AURP 2024 International Conference, connect with Dr. Ranu Jung, Founding Executive Director and Endowed Chair for the University of Arkansas' Institute for Integrative & Innovative Research (I3R). Dr. Jung will explore her role at the Institute and the efforts taken to enhance partnership and entrepreneurship within the University.

I3R is a new kind of public research institute, one with convergence at its core and differentiated by a dual mandate to advance research excellence and impact economic development. While most research institutions focus on discovery and development, I3R's goal is deployment of innovations at scale through partnerships with industry, community and philanthropic organizations while educating and empowering a diverse and qualified future workforce.

This 144,000 square foot facility, situated at the heart of campus, is designed to drive innovation with its cutting-edge technology, advanced laboratories, and collaborative environment.

Resources & Announcements

WEBINAR: NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnership (TIP) Updates

Wed., Sept. 18, 2024, 2:00pm-3:00pm ET

Erwin Gianchandani, Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships with NSF, will share exciting new directorate developments, including new programs, awards and funding opportunities.

TIP advances use-inspired and translational research in all fields of science and engineering, giving rise to new industries and engaging all Americans in the pursuit of new, high-wage jobs in science, technology, engineering and math, regardless of background or location.

Learn more: event summary website.

Attend here or share with peers: Zoom link.

Bush Institute Posts New Column on "How to Remain the Innovation Nation"

The U.S. risks weakening its leadership in innovation due to three "self-inflicted challenges," J.H. Cullum Clark with the George W. Bush Institute, writes in a recent column.

According to Clark, these three challenges are: a weakening commitment to basic science; U.S. academic research becoming narrower and more focused on reconfirming existing knowledge rather than on transformational breakthroughs; and a growing turn against free inquiry and scientific objectivity at many of the U.S.'s top universities. Read more.

Maryland Department of Commerce Hosts Webinar on Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit

The Maryland Department of Commerce recently hosted a webinar, led by Matthew Cimino, PhD, with the department's Office of Life Sciences, on how to apply for the state's Biotechnology Investment Incentive Tax Credit (BIITC) program.

The BIITC provides an income tax credit to private investors who invest in Qualified Maryland Biotechnology Companies. Watch here.

AURP Blog Post: "Growing University-Industry Partnerships: The Changing Outlook for University Research Funding"

Brian Darmody, AURP Chief Strategy Officer, in an extended essay in the AURP Blog, writes about two key events this summer – the KPMG Tech and Innovation Symposium and the National Academy of Sciences on The State of Science.

These two events focused on the imperative to improve university-industry partnerships while highlighting the way the private sector is now funding more research and development across the country.

Detailing three takeaways for universities, companies and the federal government, Brian writes: "To keep the U.S technologically competitive, it is vital that governments, industry, and universities adapt and continue to work together to find new ways to connect, expand research partnerships, and achieve technological breakthroughs as has been done since the 1950s. As a major funder of R&D, making sure the private sector is engaged will remain critical." Read more.

perkinswill.com

Since 1935, we’ve believed that design has the power to make the world a better, more beautiful place. That’s why clients and community members on nearly every continent partner with us to design healthy, happy places in which to live, learn, work, play, and heal.

We’re passionate about Living Design, a philosophy that guides our work and emphasizes poetics and beauty; conceptual clarity; research and innovation; technology and tectonics; community and inclusion; resilience and regeneration; and health and well-being.

Our team of over 2,500 professionals in 30 studios worldwide provides interdisciplinary services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, landscape architecture, and more.

The Sandia Science & Technology Park (SS&TP) has released a new study illustrating SS&TP's vital impact on New Mexico’s economy over the last 25 years with the creation of high-paying jobs and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies.

The study by New Mexico's Mid-Region Council of Governments shows, over this time period, that businesses within the Park paid $7.7 billion in wages in the five-county region of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, Torrance and southern Santa Fe counties.

The study also shows the park generated more than 6,500 jobs and nearly $4.4 billion in taxable consumer spending as a result of those jobs.

“The Sandia Science & Technology Park is a successful public-private partnership that has thrived for a quarter-century,” said James Peery, Labs Director of Sandia National Laboratories.

Two SS&TP tenant companies are examples of the Park's momentum. Rocket Lab, one of the Park’s first residents, is producing semiconductors for spacecraft and satellites. Another Park anchor, BlueHalo, specializing in technology for global defense, has been awarded a $95.4 million contract by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command for advanced directed energy prototype development. Read more.

Merry Hunter Caudle, CEcD, Associate Director, Economic Development with Georgia Tech (and an AURP Rising Star recipient), has achieved the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This significant accomplishment reflects Merry's commitment to expanding her knowledge and contributions to economic growth and development. “Achieving the CEcD designation is the highest honor for economic development professionals,” said Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of IEDC. Read more.

Students from the University of Texas at San Antonio and Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey) in Mexico are swapping campuses this fall, as the two universities jointly launch innovative Masters' degree programs in IT and cybersecurity. The program will enable students to advance their cybersecurity knowledge and skillset through a binational lens, giving them a competitive edge to enter the workforce with a greater understanding of cybersecurity in the U.S. and in Mexico. Read more.

Purdue University engineers and the Indiana Department of Transportation may make it possible for EVs (ranging from tractor-trailers to cars) to wirelessly charge while driving on highways. Construction of the test bed needed for proof-of-concept development is expected to continue through this fall. The Purdue and Indiana Transportation teams aim to electrify a section of an Indiana interstate within the next five years. The overall effort to build electrified highways with heavy-duty trucks and cars would maximize greenhouse gas reductions and the economic feasibility of developing more infrastructure for EVs. Read more.

The National Science Foundation has awarded NC State (home to Centennial Campus) and Fayetteville State University a $3 million grant over five years to establish and carry out a national graduate student research traineeship in artificial intelligence for sustainable agriculture (called GRAD-AID for Ag). Project goals include driving innovation in AI technologies at the intersection of basic and applied plant science; plus, helping to ensure a skilled, diverse workforce capable of solving local and global challenges in agricultural sustainability and food security. Read more.

How Leader Well-Being Impacts Productivity

As leaders, we are always looking for ways to boost productivity: both our own and within our organizations. We often miss out on the impact that physical and mental well-being have on productivity. When we are WELL, we do better work, find it easier to manage our workload and see our productivity improve.

Dr. Theresa Larson, aka Dr. T., went LIVE on LinkedIn to take us through some exciting research on how mindfulness and movement in the workplace impacts more than just the individuals participating . . . the whole organization becomes healthier, bottom line included.

Watch the full recording if you want the details! Plus, read "How Leader Well-being Impacts Productivity" for three reasons your team should prioritize well-being.

#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.

Check out the University of Colorado's 2023 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:

• President of Speros – Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL)
• Wadhwani Endowed Chair in Clinical and Translational Research – University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences
• President, Purdue Research Foundation – Purdue University
• Real Estate Development Manager, Office of the Chancellor – California State University
• Vice President for Research & Economic Development – University of South Alabama
• Executive Director – Birmingham Bio Innovation Corporation (AL)
• Chief Executive Officer – OKC Innovation District (Oklahoma City)
• President and Chief Executive Officer – Cherokee Farm Development Corporation (Knoxville, TN)
• FUEL Director of Community Engagement – Louisiana State University
• FUEL Director of Technology Commercialization – Louisiana State University
• FUEL Director of Workforce Development – Louisiana State University
• FUEL Director of Use Inspired Research & Development – Louisiana State University
• Executive Director of the School of Computer and Data Sciences – University of Oregon
• Director, University & Industry Relations – University of Delaware
• IGNITE Incubation Program Laboratory Manager – Florida State University