USM Attracting Research Dollars at Record Pace
August 2, 2004
A just-released report shows that the University of Southern
Maine is attracting grant and contract awards that fund a
range of research activities at a record pace. In the most
recent year, USM attracted $48.4 million, a $6.8 million increase
over the 2002-2003 total of $41.6 million.
USM attracted $6.5 million in 1990-1991, and $19.0 million
in 1995-1996. Over the past two years alone, USM has experienced
a $14.1 million, or 41.1 percent, increase. In fact, the university
has been doubling activity every five years, according to
Larry Waxler, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Waxler's office matches faculty and staff research interests
with funding sponsors, aids in proposal preparation, and administers
the projects.
Growth in funded research at USM is seen across the university.
Every unit has shown increased activity, with the School of
Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (ASET) and the
College of Nursing and Health Professions receiving more awards
in FY '04 than in the two prior years combined.
Waxler cites several reasons, including more research-oriented
faculty and a greater emphasis on supporting teaching through
research activities.
USM's Muskie School of Public Service continues to lead the
way as the largest research unit in the state at $29 million.
The Muskie School conducts applied social and health-related
research throughout Maine and in more than 35 states.
Research and development funds provided by the Maine Legislature
also have played a critical role in providing a better infrastructure
to support research. From FY '01 through FY '04, R&D proposals
submitted to funding agencies by USM researchers increased
from $2.8 million to $15.7 million. Following the trend of
increasing awards, the amount of actual dollars awarded grew
from $0.3 million to $2.2 million over the same period.
There are some 360 research projects on campus this year,
among them research on the effects of environmental particulates
on humans, the benefits of pet therapy in long-term care facilities,
the impact of invasive species on coastal ecosystems, and
the integration of mental health and primary care services
in rural Maine.
"Research reflects what should be at the core of any
university, which is advancing knowledge," said USM President
Richard L. Pattenaude. "In addition, research has a direct
impact on the community, whether it's providing knowledge
that enriches a community's cultural resources, contributing
to economic development or helping individuals understand
the world around them."
USM's complete annual report on research activities should
be available by the end of August. For more information, visit
www.usm.maine.edu/osp,
or call USM's Office of Sponsored Programs at 780-4413.
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