Research Park at Florida Atlantic University to Host AURP's 2014 International Conference

More than 250 international and domestic leaders from universities, research parks and businesses will convene at the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus when it hosts the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) International Conference in 2014.

“We are honored and extremely enthused to host the AURP’s 2014 International Conference and look forward meeting so many respected researcher professionals from around the globe,” said Andrew Duffell, president and CEO of the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. “This is a fantastic opportunity for attendees to learn from one another and for us to showcase South Florida’s numerous research endeavors, which support the region’s economic development efforts.”

The conference focuses on sharing best practices for the development of effective research parks, which are so important to comprehensive regional economic development strategy.  Attendees will discuss their experiences in running research and science parks from around the world, and will have the opportunity to witness Florida’s initiatives to transform its economy, using scientific and technology research as a catalyst.

"The Board of Directors of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) commends the excellent proposal put forth by the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University. The Board selection of the Research Park was based on the strength of the park and the excellent opportunities offered by Boca Raton,” said Eileen Walker, MBA and CEO, AURP. “We really look forward to working with the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University and Boca Raton on a very successful 2014 conference event."

The venture to persuade the AURP to choose the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University over other potential host cities was supported by Florida Atlantic University, the City of Boca Raton, the Palm Beach County CVB, Florida Network of Research Parks and Enterprise Florida.

"Boca Raton is the perfect location to host the AURP’s 2014 International Conference,” said Susan Whelchel, Mayor of Boca Raton. “We are proud to be the host city for AURP. We’re looking forward to the opportunity of introducing attendees to the beautiful natural surroundings and the plethora of historical and cultural attractions Boca Raton has to offer.”

About the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University

Established in 1985, the 94-acre Research Park (www.research-park.org) is home to 22 technology companies working in conjunction with the FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science, the FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and the FAU College of Business.  The Research Park also hosts the Technology Business Incubator with 22 startup technology companies, each of which receives business and consulting services with the goal of becoming established businesses and permanent residents in the Research Park.