Purdue continues to advocate for federal research funding

Purdue's Suresh Garimella speaks with U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.-3) during a visit to Capitol Hill. (Photo provided) Download image

As the U.S. Congress debates and ultimately approves federal spending, Purdue leadership continues to remind policymakers that America’s research and development enterprise has made the United States the world’s preeminent, most effective, and sought-after partner for innovation. Purdue continually communicates that decreased investment would have significant effects on the country’s long-term competitiveness and lead to an American innovation deficit.

While Purdue has been among the top universities in attracting private investment, the importance of the University's federal research partnership cannot be overstated, says Suresh Garimella, executive vice president for research and partnerships. During fiscal year 2016, Purdue received more than $403 million in sponsored program awards system-wide, including $250 million in federal funding.

In Purdue’s recent research annual report, President Mitch Daniels wrote, “From patents to startup companies, Purdue University’s upward trend in commercialization activities is evidence of the talent, knowledge and drive of our researchers. Thinking broadly and globally, they are creating innovations that are changing the world.”

Jay Akridge, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, testifies before the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research. (Photo provided) Download image

Garimella, along with deans and faculty members, has visited Washington, D.C., on behalf of Purdue to testify before Congress and meet directly with policymakers as well as joining forces with scientific advocacy organizations such as the Association of American Universities, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Coalition for National Science Funding, Coalition for National Security Research, and the Energy Sciences Coalition.

The advocacy efforts take many forms, including letters from associations and coalitions to Congress, “dear colleague” letters signed by members of Congress and sent to budget and appropriations committees, and individual meetings with members of Congress and administration officials to advocate for programs of significant interest. Click here for a link to a national advocacy letter signed by Purdue and here for Garimella’s letter to the Indiana delegation. This weekend’s March for Science was yet another effort to raise awareness about the critical need for basic research and the role universities play.

U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) learned about the innovative technologies being developed at Purdue’s Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center during a visit in April. (Purdue University photo/Tom Campbell) Download image

In addition, Purdue brings members of Congress to its campuses to highlight the University's research efforts. Recent visits include U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), who received a hands-on perspective of the innovative technologies being developed at Purdue's Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center, and U.S. Rep. Susan W. Brooks (R-Ind.-5), who toured Purdue Polytechnic Anderson’s new facility to see the academic areas and the Maker Space, an area for fostering startup companies.

According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, three-quarters of all federal spending goes toward Social Security, health programs, defense and interest payments. The federal government spends more on interest than it does on transportation, education and justice programs combined. While there is an urgent need for reform in the nation’s finances, Purdue must not make those changes at the expense of future generations and innovations that will save lives, make the nation stronger and safer, and improve the quality of life for U.S. citizens, says Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, executive director and chief scientist of Discovery Park.