Summer 2012 Newsletter

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SUMMER 2012

Message from the Director The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies released Research Universities and the Future of America: Ten Breakthrough Actions Vital to Our Nation’s Prosperity and Security in May. Several key recommendations have direct relevance to EPSCoR and our ONEIdaho initiative.

Peter Goodwin,

ONEIdaho is a simple way to communicate Idaho Project Director EPSCoR’s philosophy that, as a small State with many natural assets and a very high quality of life, it is essential for us to foster a cohesive research community that creates the environment that attracts and retains some of the best minds in the world. The NRC report clearly demonstrates that new knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship, especially in fields of science and engineering, are keys to our future health, prosperity, and security. The NRC report calls for partnership among research universities, the federal government, the states, and business and industry to be reaffirmed and strengthened. EPSCoR has a 20+ year track record in this kind of partnership. EPSCoR is in a unique position to “leverage local and regional strengths to compete strategically and respond with agility to new opportunities.” The report also highlights the changing demographics in the U.S. population and the critical need for increasing the success of women and underserved communities in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields if the U.S. is to retain its global leadership position in technological innovation.

Within the State, Idaho’s Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) program to build research capacity related to Water Resources in a Changing Climate is a great example of what the NRC report promotes. Over 400 Idaho faculty, staff, and students at multiple universities and colleges have now contributed. The EPSCoR Tri-State Western Consortium of Idaho, Nevada, and New Mexico is an example of what can be achieved at the regional level. EPSCoR programs are increasing opportunities for scientific collaboration and enhancing Idaho’s ability to secure competitive funding and tackle complex research agendas of national significance. EPSCoR also improves our capacity to attract talented students in research areas aligned with State and national interests. During the past year more than 140 undergraduate and graduate students were involved in EPSCoR-related research. During a period of escalating tuition and fees, research experiences for students help make education affordable, but more importantly inspire the future generation of scientists and engineers. In fact, the number of Science and Engineering (S&E) Doctorates awarded by Idaho’s universities increased by 63% between 2001 and 2008 – more than double that of the national increase (29%). This increasing trend of integrating research opportunities within the university education experience, particularly at the undergraduate level, contrasts strongly with Sir Winston Churchill’s observation that his education was interrupted only by his schooling. Through initiatives such as EPSCoR, Idaho’s contribution to the national S&E research and education agendas will continue to grow.

“For the past half-century, the research and graduate programs of America’s research universities have been essential contributors to the nation’s prosperity, health, and security. Today, our nation faces new challenges, a time of rapid and profound economic, social, and political transformation driven by the growth in knowledge and innovation.” – Research Universities and the Future of America Idaho EPSCoR REU student, David Rico, engages in wastewater engineering research at University of Idaho – see full story on page 5

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Summer 2012 Newsletter by Idaho EPSCoR - Issuu