Fargo, N.D. -- The NDSU Research and Technology Park is gathering data over the next two months in the first phase of its strategic planning process. The process is in conjunction with overall efforts by the NDSU Office of Research and Creative Activity for continued development of the University’s research enterprise, adapting to changes in the national research landscape.
“NDSU has achieved significant research growth. We are working at all levels of campus to gather data and plan for future research activities,” said Dr. Kelly A. Rusch, vice president for research and creativity at NDSU.
Statistics from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for fiscal year 2012 show NDSU ranks 94th when non-medical research and development expenditures are compared in a survey of 655 U.S. research universities. NDSU reported $135.5 million in research expenditures for FY2012. In other fiscal year statistics, the NDSU Research Foundation’s licensing revenue from NDSU research discoveries reached a record of more than $2.17 million in fiscal year 2013.
NDSU ranks in the top 100 research universities in the fields of agricultural sciences, chemistry, physical sciences, psychology, and social sciences in the NSF FY2012 survey.
Additional research transitions are occurring on Jan. 1, 2014. Dr. Philip Boudjouk, who most recently served as executive director of corporate research relations, has requested to rejoin faculty in the Department of Chemistry. “I have chosen to focus on continuing my research efforts on several technologies, among them, liquid silicon, that present some significant opportunities in the energy sector. I am also focusing on potential commercialization of these technologies and working closely with students on future research.”
NDSU plans to continue to enhance corporate research partnerships. “NDSU has executed more than 300 research agreements with companies over the past five- to six-years, and will continue to work to enhance collaborations with private sector partners,” said Dr. Kelly A. Rusch, vice president for research and creative activity. A search for a director of corporate research relations will begin in the coming months.
The strategic planning process for NDSU’s research enterprise continues into 2014, to connect research, innovation and economic development strategies, as research universities contribute to a diversified economy and robust workforce in the region, said Rusch.