State, globe see value in university research
As the Zika virus began to spread across South and Central America and to the southern tip of Florida last summer, Florida universities accelerated research on how to curb new cases.
The University of Florida teed up an all-star group of scientists and privatesector partners to develop tracking and prevention technologies. Florida State University researchers, working with colleagues at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health, determined that an existing drug also inhibits replication of the Zika virus. Florida International University is working to develop better mosquito bait and repellent and is studying how Zika gets into the brain. And Florida Atlantic University is developing a test that can detect the virus within minutes.
The value of this work is difficult to overstate, given its global impact and potential to control a devastating disease. But it’s also a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of university research, which provides a training ground for our students and future scientists, has enormous quality-oflife benefits, is a propeller for the economy, and offers an excellent return on investment (the Centers of Excellence boast a $7.64 return on investment for every state dollar).
When I began as chair of the Board of Governors in January 2016, I designated research as an area of high priority. Since then, the Board of Governors and university vice presidents of research have worked together on a plan to expand our portfolios and increase our external research funding. We are currently last of the 10 largest states in this area. To beat states like Texas and Virginia, we need to build on the great talent of our inventors and entrepreneurs by hiring faculty in strategic areas such as health care, information technology, coastal and marine science, and advanced manufacturing. And we need to equip our researchers so they can better compete for grants.
Another opportunity is to invest in the shared data infrastructure that’s already in place in the states that outperform us on research. Our universities, to the extent possible, are already working collaboratively rather than competitively to apply for national research grants. The ability to share and combine data would enhance Florida’s national competitiveness, open new opportunities for external funding, and ultimately advance our ability to make breakthroughs that form the foundation for our knowledge economy.
Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature have been committed advocates for science, technology, engineering and math education because they understand that economies built on high-technology, high-wage jobs are more stable and prosperous. Their leadership has paid off, with U.S. News & World Report recently recognizing Florida as the top state in the country for higher education and STEM degrees, up 31 percent in the past five years.
Strategic investments in research can help round out that commitment to making Florida an economic hub and beacon of innovation and discovery. Our students will feel the benefits, as will the people of Florida and around the globe.