FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AURP Announces Christopher Rooney of Trent University as New Member of Board of Directors
TUCSON, Ariz. and Peterborough, Ont., Canada — [June 9, 2026] — The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Rooney, Senior Director, Research and Innovation at Trent University, to its Board of Directors.
Rooney brings extensive experience in innovation ecosystem development, university-industry partnerships, and the advancement of cleantech commercialization. As Senior Director, Research and Innovation, he has helped strengthen connections among researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community partners to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable technologies and advance initiatives at Trent University’s innovation and research park.
Under Rooney’s leadership, Trent University’s innovation and research park has emerged as one of Canada’s leading university-linked innovation ecosystems focused on clean technology, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. He has played a pivotal role in expanding industry partnerships, supporting the growth of cleantech startups and scale-ups, and advancing opportunities for research commercialization. Rooney has also helped position Trent University as a hub for collaboration among academia, government, industry, and community stakeholders, attracting investment and fostering innovation that contributes to regional economic growth and environmental sustainability. His leadership has strengthened Trent University’s reputation as a catalyst for clean technology innovation and talent development.
Rooney is already well known throughout the AURP community through his dedicated volunteer service. He has made significant contributions as a member of AURP’s Member/Sponsor Committee, Bio Health Caucus, and International Conference Committee, helping strengthen member engagement, advance strategic programming, and support the success of AURP’s signature events.
“Christopher has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing innovation communities and fostering meaningful connections among research institutions, industry partners, and entrepreneurs,” said Allison Madden, President of AURP. “His leadership at Trent University and his longstanding service to AURP make him an outstanding addition to our Board of Directors. We are excited to welcome his perspective and expertise as we continue to support innovation ecosystems around the world.”
“Christopher has been a valued contributor to AURP for many years,” said Vickie Palmer, CEO of AURP. “His thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and dedication to our members have strengthened numerous AURP initiatives. We deeply appreciate his service on the Member/Sponsor, Bio Health Caucus, and International Conference Committees and look forward to his continued contributions as a member of our Board of Directors.”
“I am honored to join the AURP Board of Directors and to continue serving an organization that plays such an important role in advancing innovation districts, research parks, and knowledge-based economic development,” said Rooney. “I look forward to working alongside fellow board members and AURP leadership to support the organization’s mission and help create new opportunities for members across North America and around the world.”
About AURP: Building Communities of Innovation
The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is a global nonprofit network, with offices in the Washington, DC area at the University of Maryland Discovery District and in Tucson, Arizona at the University of Arizona Tech Park, connects leaders of university-driven innovation ecosystems, including research parks, innovation districts, technology hubs, and research institutions, to advance and scale regional innovation. As a premier learning and leadership consortium, AURP facilitates real-time peer exchange, best-practice sharing, strategic partnerships, and coordinated policy initiatives that strengthen innovation communities worldwide. By convening stakeholders across academia, industry, government, and entrepreneurship, AURP helps transform successful models into replicable strategies, accelerating technology commercialization, economic growth, workforce development, and community impact. Discover more, https://aurp.org
Media Contact:
Vickie Palmer
CEO, Association of University Research Parks (AURP)
https://aurp.org
