August 28, 2018
by Jere W. Morehead, President
Expanding the research enterprise is a top priority for the University of Georgia, and over the past five years, strategic investments in this facet of our mission have produced remarkable growth. Annual research and development expenditures—a key measure of productivity—crossed the $450 million threshold for the second consecutive year in FY18, representing a nearly 30 percent increase since FY13.
New state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the Center for Molecular Medicine, are promoting collaboration and discovery, while renovated spaces, including the Agricultural Research Building in Tifton, are expanding research capacity as well. In the past five years, the University has invested well over $100 million in capital projects dedicated to research, including a new interdisciplinary STEM research building that we will break ground on this fall. The University plans to propose at least another $100 million in capital expenditures for research over the next five years.
Several faculty hiring initiatives have been launched since 2013 to bring world-class researchers to campus. Sixty-two endowed faculty positions have been created over the same time period, bringing the total number to 289. In addition, the University has recruited six Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholars in the last five years, bringing the total number to 18. GRA Eminent Scholars conduct vital research while fostering science- and technology-based economic development. The newest of this cadre of exceptional scientists, Dr. Gerald Hart, will arrive in October to continue his research on the causes and treatments of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Through their commitment to solving grand challenges, faculty at UGA are improving lives and communities throughout our state and around the world. As the University continues to invest in infrastructure and faculty to support our research mission, our ability to make a positive difference will grow in return.