A new structure in the Office for Research & Economic Development will unify and enhance services for the research community, collaborators, and industry partners.
Integrated Venture Development will unite the Research ASSIST Office, technology development, and cross-sector engagement under one umbrella, creating a seamless pathway for strategic research opportunities and partnerships.
IVD will serve as a hub for core research and translation functions, providing visibility across the entire research continuum. By uniting critical functions, IVD will play a key role in early-stage research development, supporting faculty in shaping ideas, identifying strategic funding opportunities, and building large, interdisciplinary research initiatives, while also strengthening startup creation and industry interactions. Integrated Venture Development will manage and grow UA’s intellectual property portfolio, accelerate product-to-market efforts, and position the University as a leader in translational research. Policies related to these core functions will not be affected by this change.
“The creation of this unified enterprise marks an exciting step forward for the research and industry engagement portfolio at UA,” said Dr. Bryan Boudouris, vice president for research and economic development. “By bringing together critical functions under one roof, we are better positioned to provide outstanding support to our researchers and to build meaningful collaborations with partners across sectors.”
Leading Integrated Venture Development will be Dr. Cosima Boswell-Koller, who brings extensive experience in fostering partnerships and opportunities across academia, government, and industry. Under her leadership, IVD will expand opportunities for UA faculty, staff, and students while delivering enhanced customer service and support in terms of economic impact and workforce development.
IVD will broaden the University’s reach in forming collaborations with peer institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders, amplifying the local and global impact of UA research. With this launch, ORED takes another significant step in advancing the University’s mission to elevate discovery, innovation, and economic development for the state of Alabama and beyond.