On an expansive tract north of Charlottesville off U.S. 29, the University of Virginia Foundation operates a comprehensive research park that has quietly grown over the years into its current status as place where hundreds of people work, conduct research, study and collaborate.
The foundation this week announced a new name – “North Fork – A UVA Discovery Park” – that presents a more accurate description of how it has evolved and where its aspirations lie for the future, according to Deborah van Eersel, chief administrative officer and director of marketing.
UVA Today caught up with van Eersel to learn more about what is happening at North Fork these days.
Q. What types of UVA-business collaborations have occurred at North Fork?
A. North Fork is home to science and technology firms, government agencies, academic institutions, startups and nonprofits – many of which have collaborated with the University faculty and/or students over the years. Many of these collaborations are ongoing. These collaborations have been diverse, including pharmaceutical research; development of cancer, diabetes and alcohol addiction treatments; training; product development and improvements; and more. UVA’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Medicine and the College of Arts & Sciences have all been involved.

Deborah van Eersel is chief administrative officer and director of marketing at the UVA Foundation. Tim Rose is the chief executive officer of the UVA Foundation, which owns and operates the park.
Recently, The MITRE Corporation and UVA have collaborated on the development of autonomous, unmanned systems; improvement of medical outcomes; support to COVID-19 personnel protective equipment and wellness and resiliency tools; and development of cyber resiliency and cyber hygiene tools, techniques, implementation approaches and practices. The symbiotic, trusting and enduring partnership results in innovative joint research and collaboration that delivers cutting-edge, critical solutions.
Signature Science’s scientists support UVA’s College Science Scholar program, participating in seminars and serving as mentors to a select group of UVA’s most talented undergraduates. Working with Howard Epstein, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences, and James Demas, emeritus professor of chemistry, Signature Science recently presented seminars on the chemistry of explosives and forensic chemistry.
North Fork tenants work with the UVA Career Services staff to identify and employ student interns who often gain employment after graduation. In fact, students who intern for companies supporting the intelligence community often begin the process of obtaining their security clearances the summer prior to graduation and continue employment during their fourth year.
With the help of UVA’s Applied Research Institute, a speaker series called “Grounds on the Go” was introduced at North Fork where UVA faculty experts present on important topics of research interest to tenants and interested members of the community. This is an incredible opportunity for the University to extend its reach.
Q. What kind of University research is being conducted at North Fork?
A. North Fork provides a hub for invention, discovery and economic vitality. It is a great example of bringing together the University and community to benefit the world through discovery and the region and commonwealth through economic growth.
The UVA Applied Research Institute leverages the University’s human and capital assets to support applied research, education and training with a focus on homeland security, national intelligence and defense challenges. ARI has secure office and meeting space located at North Fork.