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.

SOURCE Association of University Research Parks

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