UC Research Ranking Climbs

The University of Cincinnati moved up in two different national rankings established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to compare college and university research efforts.

According to the latest figures just released by the NSF, UC is ranked 47th overall in federally funded research expenditures. That's up from 50th place the previous year. When public universities are compared, UC also moved up from 28th to 26th place nationally.

The report is based on expenditures during the 2000 fiscal year. UC's total expenditures were $172 million, including more $110 million in federal funding.

"This is good news," said Howard Jackson, Vice President for Research and University Dean for Advanced Studies. "This means we're providing substantial opportunities for our graduate and undergraduate students in a broad number of areas … from medicine to physics."

Jackson pointed out several programs where undergraduates benefit directly from UC's research initiatives. In chemistry, Professors John Alexander and Allan Pinhas received an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates grant which allows undergraduates to work collaboratively with faculty on summer research projects.

"This is a program that brings in a whole collection of undergraduates," said Jackson. "It's a great opportunity for these students."

Other funded projects have a direct impact on the local community. They include Frank Russell in DAAP who has worked for several years on an "Art in the Market" project which has enhanced the Findlay Market area.

Joyce Pittman, an assistant professor in the College of Education, has received more than $1 million to prepare teachers and future teachers on the best ways to use technology in the classroom. "That will clearly impact hundreds of students and their teachers," said Jackson.

The impact of UC research also extends into the local, state and regional economies. Two recent examples are from the College of Engineering where Professors Andrew Steckl and Chong Ahn both developed new technologies which have spawned new high-tech companies.

In addition, two Ohio Eminent Scholars are working directly on research projects in collaboration with local industry. William Krantz in chemical engineering received a grant to form an NSF Industry/University Cooperative Research Center support joint research on membrane technology with industries including Procter & Gamble. Ephraim Gutmark and fellow aerospace engineer Paul Orkwis are among those receiving funding through GE's University Strategic Alliance program recently.

"UC researchers are working with industry to push the research forward," explained Jackson.

The UC Medical Center is a major contributor to the research effort as well. "A large percentage of our research funding goes to East Campus laboratories," said Jackson. "We're seeing very significant collaborations and partnerships forming. These developments are very encouraging."