University research offers economic benefits for the future of New Mexico
It has become increasingly clear that New Mexico needs a comprehensive, statewide and long-term economic development strategy. Since it’s also clear that university research has led to economic growth in many states (Massachusetts, Minnesota and North Carolina to name a few) it follows that this state’s three major research universities can and should play a crucial role in such development.
University research produces technologies and products that foster new industries and new businesses and create jobs. For example, the medical technology industry of Southern California was built around the research output of several universities including the University of California at Los Angeles and UC-San Diego.
University research also serves as an integral part of the educational experience of future scientists, engineers, business leaders and educators. The undergraduate experience is greatly enhanced by a strong university research program. Students get to interact with the very people who are discovering the knowledge being taught.
Finally, university research is itself a major economic driver within the community. It creates clean, well-paying, high-multiplier jobs while attracting income into the state. For instance, NMSU does about $160 million per year in extramural funded research. This money is paid to scientists, technicians and graduate students who spend it in the community. This economic activity is not limited to Doña Ana County. We conduct research and create jobs across the state at our nine research centers.
In an effort to enhance and grow the research programs at NMSU, we’ve made several changes and launched several initiatives. We hired a new Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, Vimal Chaitanya. He comes to us from the University of Central Florida, where he built a successful materials engineering research center. We have also brought a new administrative team to the Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) led by Jay Jordan.
Also we continue to focus attention on our “research clusters.” We are defining cross-cutting research initiatives that (a) build on existing campuswide strengths; (b) solve real problems for real New Mexicans; (c) create opportunities to attract external funding; and (d) serve to give the university national and international recognition.
The five clusters we’ve created are in biosciences, information sciences and security systems, natural resources sustainability and renewal, 21st century aerospace, and Southwest border regions health, education, culture and development.
We also are seeking partnerships with other universities, the national labs and private sector firms. For example, we have recently forged a partnership with General Electric that greatly strengthens our water- related research under the natural resource cluster.
In addition to these actions on our part, if New Mexico is to take full advantage of its research universities in advancing economic development, several state-level policy challenges will have to be addressed. The state must recognize that the research university’s mission differs from that of other higher education institutions and that recognition should be embedded in the funding formula. In other words, it is necessary that the state in the research enterprise at the University of New Mexico, New Mexico Tech and NMSU
The state also should help attract private endowment funding essential in recruiting and retaining top-notch research teaching faculty. State funding, perhaps on a matching basis, for more graduate student research assistantships also is crucial. Graduate research assistants not only become our future scientists and faculty, they also serve to extend the capabilities of the faculty with whom they work.
Finally, the state must invest in critical research infrastructure including laboratory facilities and competitive technology.
With these initiatives, New Mexico will finally be able to fully realize the considerable benefits of having three major research universities within its boundaries – boundaries that also include national laboratories. NMSU is eager to meet the challenge of the future and to work in partnership with state officials, legislators and fellow research universities to make life better for all New Mexicans - indeed for all Americans - through its research potential.
By President Michael V. Martin