Wednesday, September 21, 2016

The University of North Carolina Wilmington honored faculty and staff researchers during its annual Researcher’s Recognition Reception held on Sept. 20.

The event recognized those who submitted grant proposals, received an award or were involved in innovation and entrepreneurship during Fiscal Year 2016. 

“In these days of funding at public universities, grant and external funding is extremely important. It’s not just the funding, it’s what you bring to this university and the community at large and the nation,” Provost Marilyn Sheerer told the group. “The chancellor and I are very supportive of research endeavors and we are trying in every way we know how to be more supportive. There is no doubt in my mind that we will continue to enhance the research productivity at UNCW.”

The newest members of the James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club were also announced during the reception. The club honors faculty who have received more than $1 million in research funding. This year’s inductees are Heather Koopman, professor in the Department of Biology and Marine Biology, $1 Million Club; and Karl Ricanek, professor in the Department of Computer Science, $5 Million Club.

Advancing research and scholarly activities is among the university’s strategic priorities, noted Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli. Currently, UNCW averages about $13 million in grant funding. The strategic plan calls for an increase to $30 million by 2020-21.

“If we are going to give flight to our imagination, research is fundamental,” said Sartarelli.  Imagination and research – creating new knowledge that we can impart to our students, to our community and the world – is critical. We are committed to advancing scholar activities and research at UNCW.”

The latest edition of re:search, the university’s research magazine, was unveiled during the reception. The magazine illustrates just a sampling of the innovative and collaborative research at UNCW.

--Venita Jenkins

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Read the new issue of re:search here.