Ohio University's research funding increases 28 percent

By Kelli Whitlock

Ohio University received $53.3 million in external funding from government agencies, foundations and corporations during fiscal year 2002, which included a record level of support for research.

The University received $31.3 million for research, a 28 percent increase from last year. The institution also garnered awards totaling $22 million for educational and service activities such as programs for the community and initiatives to eradicate illiteracy.

This year's increase in research grants included a 71 percent increase in funding from the National Science Foundation, a 57 percent rise in support from the Federal Aviation Administration and a 179 percent increase from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the National Institutes of Health.

External funding was awarded to such projects as an NSF study of women and minorities in the information technology field, a state Technology Action Fund-supported effort to develop more effective antibiotics and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to establish a Regional Humanities Center at Ohio University.

"I am proud of our faculty and academic and research units for their growth in research productivity during a very competitive era," said Ohio University President Robert Glidden. "This is especially important and encouraging at a time when the downturn in the economy causes decline in research contracts from state and corporate sources."

Funding for 578 awards was received this year for a variety of initiatives, which reflects a diversity in the interests of faculty, staff and students and the sponsors who support their work, said John Bantle, vice president for research.

"The influx of bright new faculty into Ohio University over the last several years is beginning to pay rich dividends," Bantle said. "Research awards are up 28 percent over the previous year and are running well ahead of predictions. The hard work of the faculty coincides with the doubling of NIH and NSF science budgets. Research is moving forward at Ohio University in a very positive direction."

In addition to research support from external groups, the University also supported the research and creative endeavors of its faculty, students and staff, including nearly $1 million in internal funding through programs administered by the vice president for research. These awards came from such programs as the 1804 Fund, Ohio University Research Committee, Baker Awards and Presidential Research Scholar Awards.

This internal funding is crucial to the University's success at attaining external funding for research and creative activity, Bantle said. A five-year review of the internal awards programs administered by his office suggests that the University realizes $6 to $7 for every $1 of internal funds invested, he added.

Kelli Whitlock is the director of the Office of Research Communications.