Conferences:
Research Policy
Making Research a Part of the Public Agenda
June 7-9, 2000
This was the fourth annual retreat in the series: The Research Mission of Public Universities. Twenty-two university administrators and scientists came from the four-state region of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. Among many interesting topics, participants focused on the dynamic interface between scientific research and public response, especially in light of controversial projects. They also stressed the importance of communication and outlined a public agenda that promotes the value of research for economic development and quality of life.
The keynote speaker was Dr. George Walker, Vice President and Dean of the University Graduate School at Indiana University. He encouraged universities to meet the needs of their citizens, business leaders and students. By serving the public, they will have champions who recognize that research universities are a valuable state resource.
For the panel on statewide advocacy, we were fortunate to hear from Representative Ralph Tanner from the Kansas legislature and William R. Docking, chair of the Kansas Board of Regents.
On the final meeting day, the Chancellor of KU, Robert Hemenway, lead a panel discussion about developing a base for nationally-recognized biomedical research in Kansas City. This panel included James Spigarelli from the Midwest Research Intitute and William Brundage from the Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute.
