Association of University Research Parks

Today, on , we celebrate the universities, research parks, innovation districts, and partners that power progress in communities around the world.

Higher education powers research. Innovation. Workforce development. Entrepreneurship. Discovery. Opportunity.

At AURP, we're proud to support a global network of organizations that transform ideas into impact—advancing technologies, launching startups, preparing tomorrow's workforce, and strengthening regional economies.

Thank you to our members for your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to building a brighter future through higher education and innovation.

What happens when workforce development, veterans, and industry growth come together?

Todd Lutz, Vice President for Finance & Administration/CFO at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, shared how new partnerships and investments are building the talent pipeline for the region’s future industries.

In Central Texas:
Texas A&M–Central Texas is expanding its workforce development initiatives to support growing regional demand in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defense technology, and life sciences.
• Launch of the Military Talent Pipeline (MTP) portal to help veterans transition into semiconductor careers
• Groundbreaking of the Forge Economic Development Incubator, an adaptive reuse project supported by HUD funding and a partnership with the Killeen Economic Development Corporation (KEDC)
• New incubator space and workforce programming for veterans and entrepreneurs, expected to open in early 2027
• Development underway for the 94-acre Wolf Tech & Life Science Park adjacent to campus
• Recruitment of anchor tenants in advanced manufacturing, defense technology, life sciences, and industrial innovation

Through strategic partnerships and place-based development, Texas A&M–Central Texas is helping create a connected ecosystem where talent, industry, and innovation can thrive.

is headed to Dallas this fall!

AURP is proud to announce Pegasus Park as the host of the 2026 AURP International Conference, September 29–October 1, 2026. Join us as we celebrate 40 years of AURP, 5 years of Pegasus Park, and America’s 250th anniversary while exploring the future of innovation.

Read the announcement: https://aurp.org/pegasus-park-announced-as-host-of-aurp-2026-international-conference/

Pegasus Park Announced as Host of AURP 2026 International Conference | AURP       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Pegasus Park Announced as Host of AURP 2026 International Conference   Tucson, AZ and Dallas, TX, June 4, 2026 — The Association of University Research Parks (AURP), the leading global nonprofit advancing university-based innovation communities, proudly announce...

Lead the future of AURP! It's the last call for 2027 AURP Board of Directors nominations. If you or someone you know has the vision, experience, and passion to help guide our community, now is the time to step forward.

Deadline is this Friday, June 5th at 5:00 PM ET. Submit here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AURPBoard_2026

🌮 Taco ’Bout Biotech Breakfast

Kick off your morning with tacos, coffee, and great biotech conversations before heading to the convention center! Join the BioTexas delegation and AURP for a casual networking breakfast at the beautiful Tortuga Rooftop at the Omni San Diego.

When: Wednesday, June 24 - 8:00–9:00 AM
Where: Omni San Diego – Tortuga Rooftop

Please RSVP: [email protected]

: It is time to nominate the AURP trailblazers who are setting the bar ever higher! Submit your 2026 AURP Awards of Excellence in Innovation nominations and recognize , companies and individuals showing excellence in innovation as part of our 2026 Conference (hosted by Pegasus Park)!

Learn more on submitting your Community of Innovation or honored Leader: https://aurp.org/about/aurp-awards-of-excellence/

What happens when advanced research infrastructure supports the future of health innovation?

Megan Sandy, Higher Education Marketing Leader at DPR Construction, shared how a recent project is strengthening university-led discovery and collaboration.

In Tampa, Florida:
DPR Construction recently delivered the University of South Florida’s Virology and Infectious Disease Facility Build-out, designed to advance cutting-edge infectious disease research and academic innovation.
• Advanced open laboratory environments
• Biosafety Level 3 research suite
• Infrastructure supporting infectious disease discovery and translational research
• Strengthening workforce development and university-led health science partnerships

By delivering specialized research environments that connect academia, science, and industry collaboration, this facility reinforces the growing role of university-driven innovation in advancing global health research.

📣 We’re Hiring at AURP!

Join our team and help advance the communities driving innovation, research, and technology forward. We’re excited to share a new opportunity for passionate professionals looking to make an impact with AURP.

Explore the position and apply today:
https://aurp.users.membersuite.com/community/career-center/job-details/d3524eca-00d3-c1ad-960e-0b49aa8bb3f6/job-detail

Big Ideas Start Here at the AURP 2026 International Conference! Join us in Dallas, TX at Pegasus Park for the 2026 AURP International Conference where big thinking, bold innovation, and the future of research communities come together.

Discover how this dynamic innovation ecosystem is fostering new industries, advancing sustainable growth, and shaping long-term competitiveness for the next 250 years. Registration opens in June, stay tuned! https://aurp.org/education/international/