UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ACADEMIC HEALTH CENTER TAPPED TO HOST GLOBAL
RESEARCH PARK CONFERENCE
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.—Global leaders in the research and science park field will gather in
the Twin Cities in 2010 for the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Annual
Conference. AURP promotes and supports the development of university research parks around
the globe.
The University of Minnesota’s Academic Health Center was selected by AURP to host the
conference expected to draw international representation. The conference, scheduled for
September 15-17, will focus on new opportunities to fuel the world’s economic recovery.
“The economic growth associated with research, science and tech parks is substantial. These
‘Communities of Innovation’ will continue to drive economic recovery,” said Gregory Deason,
President of AURP. “Global partnerships are the key to building our future world economy.
We’re looking forward to bringing together innovation leaders from around the world in
Minneapolis.”
In 2008, the Minnesota Legislature approved funding for the Minnesota Biomedical Research
Program, a landmark $292 million project that authorizes the development of four state of-the-art
biomedical research buildings on the East Bank campus. The buildings will create space to
conduct research in heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
“We’re very excited to host the AURP 2010 conference in the Twin Cities, as we’re in the midst
of expanding our Biomedical Discovery District on campus,” said Frank B. Cerra, M.D., Senior
Vice President for Health Sciences and Dean of the Medical School at the University of
Minnesota. “To bring the world’s leaders in the development of university research parks to our
city is an extremely important opportunity for our city, as well as for the Academic Health
Center.”
“Minneapolis is one of the country’s leading life science centers. The cities of Minneapolis and
Saint Paul and the University are working together on a University Research Park,” said
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Tybak. “Our role is to build the physical environment that brings these
talented professionals together, to support innovation and give them the confidence that their
investments will be matched with a high quality of life, which includes access to an educated
workforce.”
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About AURP: The Association of University Research Parks is a professional association of
university related research and science parks. AURP’s mission is to promote and support the
development of university research parks worldwide. For more information visit our Web site at
www.aurp.net or contact Eileen Walker at eileenwalker@aurp.net.