AURP Launches Resource Page in Response to NIH F&A Reimbursements

AURP has launched a special Resource Guide on the proposed 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're very happy to present Debra Bauman, Business Development and CFL Leadership Team, with DPR Construction!

AURP: "Hi Debra! What are some new research park (or anything related) projects you and your team are working on at DPR Construction?"

Debra: “DPR continues to Build Great Things for clients, using innovative methods like offsite prefabrication and VDC. The recently completed University of South Florida Research Park (USFRP) Virology project for USF Health delivered expansive state-of-the-art laboratory spaces that are welcoming highly sought after research teams as we speak. Next up are exciting new projects including Innovative Education Collaboratory and multiple specialty lab reconfigurations. The groundbreaking research at USFRP highlights the value of our work, and the incredible advancements happening in these research parks."

AURP: "Fantastic! Thank you Debra for letting us know about all of this great work with DPR!"

AURP COMMUNITY PULSE

UCLA's Hal Monbouquette

Thursday, March 13, 2:30-3:00pm ET

Our Members-only Community Pulse events are a HIT!

Next month's member-sharing discussion features Hal Monbouquette, PhD, Professor, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.

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

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

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

Mark Sharpe, Executive Director, MSU Innovation Campus

Resources & Announcements

SSTI: NIH Grant Fee Cap Could Strain

Small Business Research Funding

The NIH recently announced a policy to implement a flat 15% Facilities and Administrative (F&A) fee across all grants, a significant reduction from the previous average rate of 27-28%. This change, currently on hold due to federal court action, would particularly impact small businesses participating in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, according to an analysis by our partner organization, SSTI. These businesses were previously allowed to charge up to 40% without additional justification.

In FY 2024, 2,566 domestic for-profit companies received $2.8 billion in NIH awards, representing nearly 8% of the agency's total $37 billion in funding. The proposed F&A rate cap could impose financial hardships on these small businesses, potentially affecting their research capabilities and contributions to the biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device and life science industries. Read more.

NIH Funding Cuts Threaten University Research Labs and Bioscience Development

Proposed NIH funding cuts to indirect costs are raising concerns about the financial viability of university research labs and bioscience facility development, according to an article in Bisnow. Brian Darmody, AURP Chief Strategy Officer, warns that most universities already struggle to cover operational expenses, and these cuts could further strain budgets. Mark Romney, Co-Chair of the AURP BIO Health Caucus, adds that reduced funding may slow research progress, limit workforce capacity and impact public-private lab partnerships. The uncertainty surrounding these changes is prompting broader discussions about the long-term economics of research infrastructure. Read more.

AURP's Brian Darmody: Maryland Eyes Future Growth with Investments in Quantum, AI and Research Innovation

Maryland faces economic headwinds, but strategic investments in quantum computing, AI and research-driven industries could position the state as a leader in future economies, writes Brian Darmody, AURP Chief Strategy Officer, in a new column for BioHealth Innovation.

In his column, Brian addresses Maryland's current economic challenges and proposes strategic investments to foster growth. He emphasizes the importance of expanding private industries, translating research into employment opportunities and enhancing regional connectivity. Brian also highlights Maryland's unique position of being one of two states housing two University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs): the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab and the University of Maryland's UARC. Read more.

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. 

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.

St. Louis Magazine features a Q&A with Sam Fiorello, CEO of the Cortex Innovation District, who discusses his vision for the district. Fiorello, who previously served as COO at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, brings extensive experience in fostering innovation and collaboration. In the interview, he shares insights on Cortex’s role in advancing technology and entrepreneurship in the region, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead for St. Louis’ innovation ecosystem. Read more.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has pledged $2.5 million to support the construction of Wichita State University's Biomedical Campus in downtown Wichita. Of this donation, $1.8 million will fund clinical space within the $222 million Phase 1 development, enhancing applied learning for students and expanding medical service access. The remaining $700,000 will establish two endowed nursing scholarships in WSU's College of Health Professions. Construction of Phase 1 is slated for completion by the end of 2026. AURP's 2023 Emerging Research Park honoree was Wichita State University's Innovation Campus. Read more.

The University of Minnesota has solidified its position as a leading institution for startup creation, ranking among the nation's top four universities in this domain for four consecutive years. In 2024, the University launched a record-breaking 25 startup companies, surpassing its previous records and bringing the total to over 260 startups since 2006. Notably, 88% of these 2024 startups are based in Minnesota, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth. These ventures span diverse fields, including health, medicine, energy, and environmental solutions, transforming innovative research into practical applications. Read more.

Howard University has been conferred a Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification by the American Council on Education. With this designation, Howard becomes the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to achieve the R1 designation. "Howard University's achievement of R1 status demonstrates our research capacity and reaffirms our deep commitment to tackling society’s most pressing questions through cutting-edge scholarship and technological innovation," said Howard University President Ben Vinson III, PhD. Read more.

UC Davis is enhancing its role in translating research into real-world applications by appointing George Baxter as the new Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Technology Commercialization. With a Ph.D. in organic chemistry and extensive experience in technology transfer, Baxter aims to foster innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship across the university. His leadership will strengthen UC Davis's efforts to transform academic research into impactful solutions for society, with a particular focus on the Aggie Square innovation district. Aggie Square, a hub for collaboration between the university, industry and the community, is expected to play a key role in advancing tech development and economic growth in the region. Read more.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is exploring an expansion into downtown Albuquerque to enhance its research capabilities and community engagement. In collaboration with the City of Albuquerque, UNM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to assess potential sites, including land near downtown's 3rd St. and Marquette, for developing research facilities and academic programs. This initiative aims to revitalize the urban core, provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and strengthen partnerships between the university and local businesses. Read more.

A recent report titled "Silicon Prairie Rising" highlights challenges within Omaha, NE's research-based startup ecosystem, including a fragmented support structure and low startup survival rates, according to Silicon Prairie News. The report, developed by Paul G. Smith Associates, recommends establishing a central "backbone organization" to unify resources (including universities), amplify founders' voices and foster a thriving entrepreneurial environment. This approach draws inspiration from successful models in Indianapolis and Minneapolis. 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 Purdue Research Foundation Annual Report FY 2023-2024!

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:



• Wadhwani Endowed Chair in Clinical and Translational Research – The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) and Sanford Health-Fargo
• Vice President for Research, Creativity, and Economic Development – New Mexico State University
• Chief Executive Officer – McMaster Innovation Park (Hamilton, ON)
• Dean, School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences – University of California San Diego
• President and Chief Executive Officer – Nexus Louisiana (Baton Rouge, LA)