By ALLISSA KLINE
akline@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1612

The research office at the University at Buffalo is changing its name and structure to reflect its involvement in regional economic development.

The Office of the Vice President for Research is now known as the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development, UB said this week. Alexander Cartwright continues as vice president for research. Marnie LaVigne has been named associate vice president for economic development, a new position. She is the former business-development director for UB's New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics & Life Sciences and the UB Center for Advanced Biomedical and Bioengineering Technology.

LaVigne will be in charge of universitywide economic development activities, UB said. She will oversee the UB Office of Economic Engagement, UB CAT and the business development team in the Center of Excellence. She will also work with UB's Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach, known as STOR.

The new structure serves three purposes, according to UB: to "strengthen UB's role in economic development, (reduce) redundant programs and clearly (define) the roles and responsibilities of different units that engage with industry." LaVigne's new role is intended to provide a direct link between the university and its community partners, Cartwright said in a release.

"We are acknowledging the role that the university plays in economic development in Western New York," he said. "Having an associate vice president for economic development in place will give our community partners a clear place to go when seeking to work with the university."