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Research administration

Office of the Vice President for Research & Dean of the Graduate School

The Office of the Vice President for Research is at the core of economic development at The University of Akron. Through the offices of Research Administration and Technology Transfer, as well as the University of Akron Research Foundation, coordination of university-industry relationships, economic development issues and opportunities for University-wide basic and applied research occurs.

University of Akron Research Foundation (°µºÚ±¬ÁÏRF)

Wayne Watkins, M.B.A., J.D., Administrator & Associate Vice President for Research 

Phone: 330-972-8054
Website: http://www.uakron.edu/research/uarf/
Email: uarf@uakron.edu

The University of Akron Research Foundation promotes, encourages and provides assistance to the research activities of University of Akron faculty, staff and students. The non-profit foundation provides a bridge between industry and the University, facilitating the transfer of inventions, discoveries, processes and work products developed at the University to private industry. °µºÚ±¬ÁÏRF also provides intellectual property, commercialization and enterprise creation support to faculty, staff, students and Akron-based small businesses.

Office of Technology Transfer

Kenneth Preston, J.D., P.E., Director & Associate Vice President for Research 

Phone: 330-972-7840
Website: http://www.uakron.edu/research/tt/
Email: kpreston@uakron.edu

The Office of Technology Transfer serves as a point of contact for business, promoting outreach and economic development in the Akron area. The technology transfer staff coordinates invention disclosures, reviews inventions for marketability, applies for and maintains patents, provides for commercialization through local businesses, assists startup companies and arranges for the licensing of University technology and inventions to independent businesses.

Kathryn Watkins-Wendell, Assistant Vice President

Phone: 330-972-7666
Website: http://www.uakron.edu/ora/
Email: kwatkin@uakron.edu

The Office of Research Administration facilitates faculty research by identifying funding sources, assisting in proposal development, reviewing and endorsing proposals, negotiating agreements, accepting and appropriating awards, interpreting guidelines and promoting compliance with agency and University of Akron policies.