US National Academies Report on the Future of the Nation's Research Universities. (June 16, 2012)

In 2009 US senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) together with representatives Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Bart Gordon (D-TN) requested the US National Academies to assess the competitive position of America’s research universities, both public and private, and to respond to the following question:

What are the top 10 actions that Congress, the federal government, state governments, research universities, and others can take to assure the ability of the American research university to maintain the excellence in research and doctoral education needed to help the United States compete, prosper, and achieve national goals for health, energy, the environment, and security in the global community of the 21st century?

In response, the National Research Council convened a committee of individuals who are leaders in academia, industry, government, and national laboratories. The committee’s report, Research Universities and the Future of America, explains its findings and the 10 actions it recommends. A 24-page booklet summarizes those findings and recommendations, and highlights several examples of how university research has contributed to discovery and progress. The full 227-page document can be down loaded here.

In the short video below members of the study committee that authored the report discuss the importance of the research universities and their contributions to the nation's economy and society.

The 10 Strategic Actions Recommended by the National Academies' Committee to accomplish three broad goals

Revitalizing the partnership. The four actions will strengthen the partnership among universities, federal and state governments, philanthropy, and the business community in order to revitalize university research and speed its translation into innovative products and services.

Strengthening institutions. The next three actions will streamline and improve the productivity of research operations within universities.

Building talent. The final three actions will ensure that America’s pipeline of future talent in science, engineering, and other research areas remains creative and vital, leveraging the abilities of all of its citizens and attracting the best students and scholars from around the world.

_______________________________________________________________