EUGENE, Ore. – (Feb. 15, 2012) – Top University of Oregon officials were encouraged this week when President Obama recognized in his proposed budget the critical importance of scientific research from the nation’s universities in fueling economic activity and fostering breakthroughs in understanding.

“I appreciate the Obama Administration’s commitment to scholarship and research,” said Robert Berdahl, the UO’s interim president. “University research drives innovation and the technological advancements that keep our nation and our state on the leading edge of today’s global economy.”

Kimberly Andrews Espy, the UO’s vice president for research and innovation, and dean of the university’s Graduate School, noted that 17 new companies have been spun out of UO research. Together they employ more than 250 people and pumped $33 million in revenue into the Oregon economy during 2011.

“Sponsored research is absolutely essential to the UO’s mission and to our state’s well-being,” Espy said. “Sponsored activity drew $110 million in funding for 2010-11, and 90 percent of that came from competitive federal grants.

“That federal funding supports work at the UO that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and produces transformative innovation.”

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