Curators affirm commitment to research excellence

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Today, the University of Missouri Board of Curators affirmed the institution’s commitment to research excellence with a resolution that supports the University of Missouri-Columbia’s efforts to double research funding, expand research support and restate that the Translational Precision Medical Complex at MU is its highest capital funding project.

“Mizzou has remarkable resources at its disposal, such as the nuclear reactor and the combination of sciences and humanities expertise, that create a broad foundation for research growth,” said David Steelman, chair of the Board of Curators. “Strong research programs spur innovation and enrich our workforce. Research discoveries create new jobs that have a direct impact on our state’s economy. This is not just a priority aimed at the university, this is a priority for our state.”

In the resolution, the board recognizes that MU is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an important part of the University of Missouri System, and is one of 17 universities in the nation that serves as both a land-grant university and a Carnegie doctoral university (with highest research activity).

“In a recent economic development study, an external researcher found that Mizzou has a $3.9 billion annual impact on the state’s economy,” MU Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright said. “We work very hard to combine the humanities with our science disciplines in new collaborations that will drive us toward answers to challenges that Missourians face every day. Additionally, undergraduate, graduate and professional students have the ability to work alongside world-renowned researchers while collaborating across multiple fields due to our distinctive collection of disciplines.”

The resolution also reaffirms that the TPMC is the highest priority capital funding project. The board’s resolution directs UM System President Mun Choi and Cartwright to take all reasonable and appropriate actions to strengthen MU’s standing as a national research institution.

“The strength of MU resonates through the UM System and the state of Missouri,” Choi said. “This resolution by the curators provides us with clear direction for MU’s future. Now, more than ever, we are poised and ready to be the university that helps solve grand challenges facing the state and nation.”

“We’ve cured diseases, developed artistic talents, educated future leaders and uncovered secrets buried in time. By dedicating our efforts toward building the TPMC, we are positioning the University of Missouri-Columbia to benefit the state and to develop life-saving cures to patients around the world,” Steelman said.

View the Board Resolution: Reaffirming Commitment to Excellence in Research

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