University of Kentucky Research Foundation

Research leading to new knowledge and the transfer of this new knowledge through teaching and service are two of the major responsibilities of the University of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky Research Foundation (UKRF), a not-for-profit Kentucky corporation, was established in 1945 to receive, invest, and expend funds to promote and implement scientific, educational, and developmental activities at UK. UKRF serves as the university's agent in the receipt of all external grants and contracts, intellectual property income and other designated income; oversees the protection, development and commercialization of intellectual properties; and manages special cooperative agreements.

By-laws and Archive

Current UKRF By-laws (pdf, 6pgs)

UKRF Board of Directors Meeting Archives

2025-2026 UKRF Board of Directors

Eli Capilouto, UK President, ex-officio*
Ilhem Messaoudi, Acting Vice President for Research, ex-officio*
Ron Geoghegan, UK Board of Trustees member, Term Expires: September 30, 2026*
Janie Greer, UK Board of Trustees member, Term Expires: September 30, 2027
Rebecca McCulley, UK faculty member, Term Expires: June 30, 2027
Sharon Walsh, UK faculty member, Term Expires: June 30, 2028*
Eugene Krentsel, public member, Term Expires: June 30, 2026
Jack Supplee, public member, Term Expires: June 30, 2027
Eric Monday, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, ex-officio*
Robert S. DiPaola, Provost, ex-officio*
_{*Executive Committee}

Officers

President, Eli Capilouto
Vice President & Executive Director, Ilhem Messaoudi
Secretary, Toni Smith
Treasurer, Penny Cox

5-27-25 UKRF Board of Directors Meeting

5-27-25 UKRF Board of Directors Meeting Minutes (pdf, 6pgs)
Report of the Nominating Committee (pdf, 1pg)
Report of the Treasurer (pdf, 3pgs)
Report of the Vice President for Research (pdf, 46pgs)
2025-2026 UKRF Approved Budget (pdf, 3pgs)
New Business - Appointment of the 2025-2026 Nominating Committee (pdf, 1pg)

Informational Items:

UKRF 2024 Form 990 Public Disclosure (pdf, 49pgs)
UKRF Audited Financial Statement for the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year (pdf, 40pgs)
UKRF Interim Financial Statement for the period ending March 31, 2025 (pdf, 4pgs)
UKRF Interim Financial Statement for the period ending December 31, 2024 (pdf, 4pgs)
CR3 Appointment of Trustee Greer to the Research Foundation (pdf, 1pg)
PR3 Appointment of Ilhem Messaoudi as Executive Director of Research Foundation (pdf, 1pg)

Contacts

UKRF Secretary

Toni Smith
Director, UK Research Administrative & Fiscal Affairs
toni.smith@uky.edu
859-257-8288

UKRF Media Inquiries

Christian Honce
Sr. Research Communications Officer
Christian.Honce@uky.edu