The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is looking to create communities of innovation across the globe—and with help from longtime University of Maryland administrator Brian Darmody, AURP may soon point to College Park as its prime example.

The association recently opened its new office – dubbed AURP HQ2 – at the Discovery District, a research park that includes the University of Maryland, College Park, one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities. The Discovery District aspires to be the epicenter of academic, economic, and research achievements in the region, and is located within a federal Opportunity Zone, providing incentives and tax benefits to those who invest in the area.

Selecting College Park for its new location was a natural fit for AURP’s mission. In addition to hosting the 2018 AURP International Conference, the university encompasses everything needed for a modern, successful research park. From the Capital One Tech Incubator, to the Leidos Innovation Lab, to a new co-working space and hotel, the campus is a research hub leading by example.

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