West Virginia University reached an all-time high in funding for research and sponsored programs this past year, receiving $133.9 million from federal, state, industry and private sourcesup from $88.7 million in FY 2001 .
Vice President for Research and Economic Development John Weete said the 51 percent increase represents the highest amount of funding in the history of the University from external sources, and surpasses a 1998 strategic planning goal of reaching $100 million in funding by FY 2003 .
“We like these trendsthe University is going in the right direction,”said Dr. Weete, who is also president of the WVU Research Corporation. Funding received from federal agencies accounts for over 70 percent of the increase, he noted.
WVU is also recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Research University- Extensive which places it among the top 154 research universities in the country and the only one in West Virginia.
“Being known nationally as a major public research university is important. The ranking recognizes the achievements of our faculty and improves their competitiveness in obtaining federal supportand lifts the worth of degrees for our graduates and alumni,”he said.
Technology transfer is another area where the University has seen significant growth over the past year, according to Weete. The Office of Technology Transfer, created only three years ago, has had a flurry of activity that involves assessing, protecting and marketing intellectual properties generated by WVU faculty and students.
In FY 2002 , 30 invention disclosures and 24 U.S patent applications were filed, and three patents were issued. Six license agreements were signed last year and two start-up companies formed. One notable example is Protea Biosciences, Inc.a firm based on technologies developed by WVU faculty in the area of proteomics.
“Our increases in funding for the WVU research enterprise are resulting in increased job creation,”Weete said, citing approximately 800 new full- and part-time jobs as a result of external funding.
WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. said WVU s research is diverse and meaningful.
“Our research ranges from the basic, biomedical and forensic sciences to structural, environmental and computer engineering to the humanities, social sciences and creative arts,”he said”The results of these projects are helping to support the economic transformation of our state and we plan to continue to embrace and grow this part of our land-grant mission.”
He noted as a prime example WVU s efforts to develop a research park on the school’s old poultry farm. The WVU Research Corporation is seeking $10 million from the state Economic Development Grant Committee to initiate the facility that will focus on some of the University’s research strengths such as biotechnology, biometrics and homeland security, among others.
“We’re optimistic our funding request will be granted,”Weete said.”The park will help to attract and provide a location for high technology businesses who wish to be near and associated with a major research university and also stimulate new economic development opportunities in the stateand ultimately improve the quality of life for our citizens.”