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5/16/01
Research expenditures at NDSU grow to more than $50 million
Fargo, N.D., May 16—North Dakota State University faculty set a new record in research and development expenditures of more than $50 million in fiscal year 2000, according to figures submitted by the university to the National Science Foundation. This is a 25 percent increase in one year.
"A year ago, I challenged Phillip Boudjouk, our new vice president for research, creative activities, and technology transfer, to increase our research portfolio from $40 million," said NDSU President Joseph A. Chapman. "I congratulate our faculty on rising to the challenge in such a short time. It is a tremendous achievement."
Chapman has made increasing the university's stature as a research university a priority during his presidency. To support faculty research and regional economic development efforts, NDSU has created a 40-acre research and technology park on the north side of campus. The cornerstone tenant is Phoenix International Corp., a John Deere company. The manufacturer of electronic controls and sensors will occupy the park's first structure, which will provide laboratory and office space for a projected 320 employees. A public dedication of the park was held May 12 at the Phoenix International research building. Keynote speakers included Rita Colwell, director of the National Science Foundation, John Lawson, senior vice president technology and engineering of Deere and Co., N.D. Gov. John Hoeven and Sen. Byron Dorgan.
The university also increased its administrative support of sponsored research, including coordinating campus research efforts through a new cabinet level division led by Boudjouk.
"President Chapman has set an ambitious program of campus wide growth," said Boudjouk. "We are able to use a percentage of our research grants, known as indirect cost recovery, to support that growth. For example, increasing faculty and staff salaries is a major priority. From our research increase, we are able to increase our salary pool beyond legislative appropriations."
According to the National Science Foundation, NDSU ranks 135th out of 589 universities in total research and development expenditures, putting it in the top 22.9 percent.
"As we continue to expand our research capabilities, we do so with the understanding that this growth is in support of the entire university," said Chapman. "We remain committed to the ideals of the university, which includes a fundamental belief in broad-based under-graduate education. Conducting advanced research offers the promise of regional economic growth and new resources to support the full range of university programs. In this way, all of NDSU can advance to be the kind of university we want to be."
The research and technology park's second building is designed for NDSU researchers. It includes laboratories and Internet-wired, technology-related facilities. Also planned is a 25,000-square foot business incubator, where emerging companies will lease space as faculty and students work with them to prepare new products or methods.
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