UAH has expanded the scope of its research office to the Office of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development (OVPRED) to acknowledge the office's broader economic roles at the state, regional and local levels. "It's an obvious fit," says Dr. Ray Vaughn, who heads the OVPRED. "Research universities offer many advantages to companies that are considering relocating to our area and to companies that are already here and are considering expansion. Research universities produce not only technology that is of use to the commercial sector, but also students, research projects, research laboratories, partnership opportunities for grants and contracts, and access to highly specialized faculty. It's a win-win."