About Research Liaison & Development

RL&D Staff
ILED is now RL&D

The Research Liaison and Development office interacts with campus researchers, government agencies, and the private sector. RL&D provides a range of services and resources designed to foster large-scale, interdisciplinary research initiatives on campus.

RL&D activities include:

Strategic consulting for research enterprises (e.g. centers, institutes, or multi-investigator laboratories);
Partnerships development with industry and state agencies;
Participating on university, regional, and state economic development committees;
Building liaisons with regional, state and national innovation catalysts; and
Promoting UMass Amherst research excellence through strategic marketing and communications.

Examples of initiatives supported by RL&D include: MassNanoTech; Massachusetts Center for Renewable Energy Science and Technology (Mass-CREST); the Institute for Cellular Engineering (ICE); the Pioneer Valley Technology Innovation Development Exchange (PVTIDE); the Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response Institute (SEPRI); the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute (PVLSI); the Center for Collaborative, Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA); the Institute for Massachusetts Biofuels Research (TIMBR); and the Center for e-Design.

RL&D is directed by Marla Michel. A professional staff member oversees each RL&D focus area. Karen Hayes is responsible for Industry Liaison and Research Marketing. Loren Walker is responsible for Research Liaison and Economic Development. Barbara Pearson is responsible for Academic Liaison. Rick Taupier is responsible for International Relations.