Research@KU

Novak Named KU's First Director of Business Relations and Development

Carey Novak has been named KU's first director of business relations and development. Novak will work with potential industry partners and help faculty explore business opportunities for their research. He will be allied with the Lawrence-Douglas County Bioscience Authority to generate local-area industry relationships. The Authority is helping to fund the position as well as travel and marketing expenses.

Novak held similar positions at Iowa State University since 1994. Prior to that, he directed two different regional economic development agencies in Iowa, and spent five years as a senior analyst with the Iowa Legislative Fiscal Bureau. He also started a company called Technology Marketing, Inc. in Clinton, Iowa and served as its president for three years.

"Carey knows about universities, businesses, government, and marketing," said Jim Roberts, vice provost for research. "That's a great combination for this new position. This is an exciting new initiative for KU and the local community, one that has the potential to benefit all of Kansas."

Novak starts at KU in early December. He will report to Roberts and work closely with Jim Baxendale, director of intellectual property and technology transfer, and the Lawrence-Douglas County Bioscience Authority.