Subcommittee Discusses the Future of America’s Research Universities
(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to examine the challenges faced by the Nation’s research universities. A recent National Research Council (NRC) report that examines the health and competitiveness of our nation’s research universities, Research Universities and the Future of America, was discussed. The hearing also reflected on the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act (P.L. 37-108) that allowed for the creation of land-grant colleges.
“Research universities are an extremely vital part of our nation’s R&D infrastructure and are thus critically important to America’s future economic success – that means, American jobs,” said Ranking Member Dan Lipinski (D-IL) in his opening statement. “Research universities’ contributions to the health, security, and prosperity of the American people cannot be overstated. Advances in the fields of medicine and biotechnology, the development of critical new military technologies, and countless economically important companies and products can be traced back to research conducted in university labs. In addition to contributing immeasurably to our economic prosperity and well-being, research universities also train the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.”
The NRC report was requested in 2009 by former Chairman of the Committee Bart Gordon, current Chairman Ralph Hall, and Senators Lamar Alexander and Barbara Mikulski. The Report included recommendations designed to accomplish three broad goals: to revitalize the partnership among universities, federal and state governments, philanthropists, and the business community; to strengthen the institutions by streamlining and improving the productivity of the research operations within universities; and to build talent to ensure that America’s pipeline of future students, scholars, and workers in science, engineering, and other research areas continues to be the best in the world.
While questioning the witnesses Mr. Lipinski brought up a number of issues, including the funding for universities and the dramatic decrease in financial support from states; the regulatory burden that universities face; and how to accelerate technology transfer, including barriers to commercialization and how the federal government can help ensure best practices.
Mr. Lipinski said, “Despite the fiscal challenges we face, we in government cannot afford to jeopardize our nation’s future prosperity by not providing sustained and predictable support for scientific research and affordable education. At the same time, I believe that research universities need to adjust to this new fiscal environment by finding new and innovative ways to operate. I also believe that it remains well within the ability of our universities to continue to deliver a top-notch education, allow creativity and innovation to thrive, and attract some of the best researchers and students from around the country and the world.”
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