University Research and Science Parks Create Sustainable Innovation

SAN DIEGO and TUCSON, Ariz., May 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- University-affiliated research, science and technology parks have become crucial in creating opportunities for sustainable development and innovation within economies across the globe. Experts in park development will gather in La Jolla on June 16 to share information on the best practices and emerging trends in maximizing the effectiveness of parks specializing in biotechnology development.

BioParks 2008, a joint meeting of the Association of University Research Parks and Bio's Council of Biotechnology Centers, will feature intensive sessions centering on topics such as:

-- enhancing translational research (the process of taking new
discoveries from the laboratory to practical application and
commercial viability);
-- creating high-performance cyber-infrastructure necessary to intensive
biomedical research;
-- sustainable, "green" building design for research facilities; and
-- the economic impact of research parks into the 21st century economies
of nations across the world.

Conferees will hear from leading authorities in the field including: Dr. Barbara M. Alving, Director, National Center for Research Resources; Dr. Larry Smarr, Director, California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology; and Sandy K. Baruah, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.

The special emphasis of the conference "Translating Discovery into Innovation" will also feature a panel of leaders in this crucial step of creating economic opportunity and beneficial products and services, and tours of selected world-class research facilities located throughout San Diego's Torrey Pines Mesa.

The conference is being hosted by the University of California San Diego Science Research Park and will be held at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., is the lead sponsor for the conference. Additional sponsors include: The Facility Group; Wexford Science + Technology; Booz/Allen/Hamilton; Lankford & Associates, Inc.; University Wellness; The University Financing Foundation, Inc.; Whiting Turner Contracting Company; Colliers International; Cushman & Wakefield; Phelps Development; The Staubach Company; Cannon Design; La Jolla Village Professional Center; and Research Park at the University of Illinois.

Additional information about the conference, speakers and schedules are available at www.aurp.net.

The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is an international association which promotes and supports the development and operation of university research parks worldwide.

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FCMN Contact:

Source: Association of University Research Parks

CONTACT: Eileen Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Association of
University Research Parks, +1-520-529-2521

Web Site: www.aurp.net

2008-05-12 22:23:31 0359492 PRNEWSWIRE