To: U of A Study Group
From: Pat Burden

It appears from the Chancellors' presentations that the areas of research, and grants for research in the areas of interest, are dependent on the interests of individual professors and their success in obtaining grants. We also heard that providing the space, labs, graduate students, and other resources for this research is expensive. Assuming that the research grants pay for all of this additional cost, over and above the fees for the individual professor, does the state substantially benefit from the commitment of its resources when we are financially constrained?

For example, we heard that the money is in INS (I assume medical research). However, in my opinion, the state has very limited capability to build upon a typical research grant that might come from INS unless the grant is very targeted to Alaska's specific needs or industry in the state can make use of the research.

I would suggest that the University system and the state (public) identify those areas where University research could provide substantial benefits to the state, and develop a program for focused research at the U. If we have limited resources to build new lab buildings and other U infrastructure, let's focus our efforts to conduct research in areas where it can have substantial benefits to the state. Research in our primary industries is a no-brainer but if we wish to expand our horizons and build capacity in other research areas that don't exist at present (or in modest amounts), then let's not dilute our resources. Establish a University-wide program and focus our resources so that we can make a difference.

For example, various states have implemented programs to develop biotech or other industries by combining state government funding programs, university research, and private research funds. I don't know if we can build an industry but we could surely develop appropriate niches if we focus various state programs, ASTF, University funds and appropriate research grants, private funds, and I'm sure a host of other sources that CWN members could identify.