Research Professors Lead Search for New Technology

In a bid to increase Arkansas’ competitiveness in a modern, global economy, the Arkansas Research Alliance on Dec. 3 announced the formation of ARA Fellows, a collection of five researchers from the state’s five research universities: Arkansas State University, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the University of Arkansas at the campuses of Fayetteville, Little Rock and Pine Bluff.

The fellows each received a $75,000 grant, paid over three years.

The fellows will try to enhance the state’s economic development efforts by, among other things, identifying commercially available innovations that can go to market. Since ARA Fellows represent five universities across Arkansas, the hope is that the collaborative effort will maximize the state’s attempts to recognize and nurture the next big technology that will produce high-tech jobs and industry.

“ARA is proud of the new ARA Fellows program because it underscores our mission to stimulate economic opportunities through university innovation and collaboration,” said Jerry Adams, president and CEO of the alliance. “By identifying and investing in researchers currently working in the state, we are maximizing opportunities for commercialization and economic impact.”

The appointees are: Alexander Biris of UALR; Laura James of UAMS; Argelia Lorence of ASU; Alan Mantooth of UAF; and Trace Peterson of UAPB.

The alliance is a nonprofit entity governed by a board of trustees that includes university chancellors and CEOs from across the state.