OU research funding exceeds $200 million

By James S. Tyree

Transcript Staff Writer

The University of Oklahoma received $210 million from outside sources for research in fiscal year 2004, marking the first time OU crossed the $200 million mark in a year for research programs.

OU President David Boren made the announcement on September 14, 2004, during an OU Board of Regents meeting held at Rogers State University.

In 1994, OU received $92 million for research and sponsored programs. The Health Sciences Center had the greatest growth in one year, from $50 million in fiscal year 2003 to $59 million last year.

Research programs in weather, genomics, chemistry, health sciences and nanosciences have grown the most in recent years, and they have led to the construction of OU’s Research Campus South.

“It is clear that OU has become one of the greatest engines for economic growth in our state and one of the most important research centers in the entire region,” said OU President David Boren. “The growth in research is a tremendous tribute to the excellence and work ethic of the OU faculty.”

The board of regents took action on a number of agenda items, including:

Ø Authorizing OU to enter an agreement to buy services from the City of Norman, including potable water, wastewater and garbage collection. OU will purchase water from the city which, in turn, will buy water from Oklahoma City.

Boren said it’s a “win-win-win” for each party because OU will get drinkable water (some campus wells have too much arsenic), Norman will get some revenue and Oklahoma City could get a volume discount with Norman and OU on board that will lower everyone’s cost.

Ø Approving the purchase of three twin-engine airplanes for no more than $1.4 million for training within the Department of Aviation and for other official uses. The department has a fleet of 13 single-engine and three twin-engine planes that are up to 30 years old.

“Though maintained and in full compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards, the fleet is aging and does not offer the full avionics that students need,” Boren said.

In related but separate items, the board voted to accept a $1.5 million FAA grant to improve aircraft aprons at Max Westheimer Airport and to award a $482,900 contract to Midwest Air Traffic Control Services of Overland Park, Kan., for control tower services at Westheimer Airport.

Ø Approved taking radiation oncology from the Department of Radiological Sciences and making it its own department, and establishing certificate and master of science degree programs for geriatrics/gerontology.

Also at the Health Sciences Center, OU will develop an online program for the Health Sciences Center’s accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students in other states can study via the Internet and take clinicals in their home areas.