Our Mission
Our mission is to drive economic growth by developing strategic industry and community partnerships. Through collaboration with industry, community and economic development leaders, we create opportunities that expand industry-sponsored research, support small business growth, and strengthen Alabama’s economy.
Signature Research Themes
The Alabama Research Institutes serve as hubs for innovative and interdisciplinary water, transportation, materials, life, and cyber research.
Resources
Our team on the Gulf Coast connects external partners with the vast resources available at UA, including R&D faculty, analytical support, economic development assets, career services, and much more.
UA Industry Engagement Day introduces local business owners, community and industry leaders, executives, and government and elected officials to UA faculty and staff to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Industry Engagement Process
Project Identification
OED and industry executives match company needs with research expertise.
Internal Collaboration
OED meets with UA College/Institute/Center leadership to discuss the identified opportunity and set follow-up meeting with the company’s technical experts.
Project Planning
OED coordinates NDA process with Office for Research & Technology Agreements. Faculty are identified to lead detailed confidential project discussions with company representatives.
Finalize & Execute
Faculty lead prepares project scope of work, budget, and timeline. UA and the company enter into a formal contract and work is initiated. OED available for support throughout.