Report From the Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College

On behalf of all the individuals involved in research and other sponsored programs at Oklahoma State University, it is my pleasure to present the 1993 Oklahoma State University Research Report.

1993 was a record-setting year for OSU faculty, students, and staff. For the first time, these individuals pushed the University's expenditures for research and sponsored programs over the $100 million mark. Reaching this milestone was made possible by the expenditure of $100,064,179. Research and sponsored program expenditures for fiscal year 1993 increased 3.4% from fiscal year 1992; they have increased by $15 million, nearly 18%, over the past four years (see Figure 1).

Research expenditures accounted for $78,169,680 in FY 93, an increase of 4.2% from fiscal year 1992. Over the past five years, research expenditures have increased by $19 million, 32.6% (see Figure 2). Funding from federal and state agencies grew significantly in FY 93; expenditure of federal funds for research increased by $5.5 million and expenditure of state agency funds increased by $5.7 million.

Activities during FY 93 to secure funding for future years were quite positive, too. During the year, OSU faculty and staff submitted $182,694,394 in proposals, an increase of 31% over FY 92 and an increase of 71% over the past three years (see Figure 3). OSU was also awarded $70,115,792 for research and sponsored programs, an increase of 13% over FY 92 and an increase of 41% over the past three years (see Figure 4). Such growth in external resources is even more impressive in light of the fact that internal budget constraints have limited the number of OSU faculty available to compete for grant and contract funding in the past few years. The growth in external support for OSU's research during FY 93 is a clear example of our faculty, students, and staff's outstanding capabilities and commitment to pursuing new knowledge. I am extremely proud that our people continue to participate so fully in the scholarly activities of their professions.

However, a fiscal review alone cannot capture the most valuable successes of the past year. Within this report are synopses of the actual research projects for which the funds were expended and from which new knowledge was generated. The variety and scope of the projects will help those outside the University see the diversity of the OSU faculty and the many opportunities that exist for study and growth on the OSU campuses. A closer look at the specific departmental activities will reveal the depth and strength of areas in which OSU has taken national and international leadership roles. We welcome you to use this report to explore the opportunities that may await you as a research sponsor, a potential faculty or staff member, a future student, or a citizen of the State of Oklahoma.

My thanks to all of you who made FY 93 a successful and exciting year. With you, I look forward to the challenges and exciting opportunities in the coming year.

Thomas C. Collins

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