By Patrick McGrane–

For many years now, the University of Louisville has striven to be at the forefront of the science and engineering research and development.

This has resulted in advancements in those fields, and the federal government has recently taken notice.

Recently released  gures from the Chronicle of Higher Education stated that among 100 other universities, U of L had the fourth fastest rate of increase for receiving federal funds from National Institutes of Health from 1999 to 2009, for research and development in the fields of science and engineering.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, U of L has increased federal funding for scientific research by 263.1 percent over the decade, grading from $20 million 1999 to $72.7 million in 2009.

Senator Mitch McConnell, who spoke to media on Aug. 25 in a forum on the future of biomedical research, said funding from NIH gave $143 million to the state, with $48 million going to Louisville causes. NIH funding also supported 2,000
jobs in Kentucky this year, McConnell said.

However, federal cuts loom as the nation attempts to reduce our national debt.

Some university offcials say they are worried, but they are far from unprepared for this.

“The university is currently working with both small and large corporations in the private sector of these fields,” said Dr. William Pierce, interim executive Vice President for research.

This will help the university recover some of the funds lost by spending cuts, according to Pierce. Pierce also added that U of L has a strong base of donors and alumni that will continue to support this university.

When an institution experiences monetary cutbacks, it isn’t uncommon for many programs to suffer.

Pierce said this is not the case with U of L.

The university will continue their research in areas of medicine such as cancer treatment, regardless of cuts from the NIH. U of L will also continue to develop clinical research groups among many other things, Pierce said.

When asked if these recent cuts will show any job loss, Pierce said it was “very unlikely.”

“We are very proud to have the fourth fastest growing  gures,” Pierce said. “And in the next ten years we hope to be number one.”

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Illustration: Baylee Pullium/The Louisville Cardinal