Association of American Universities says next president should not ignore research universities

Whoever is elected as president of the United States this fall should not neglect research universities, a recent report published by the Association of American Universities advised.

The report made several recommendations for how the next president should best partner with research universities, including sustaining funding for university research, providing financial aid for students — especially in the form of Pell grants — and passing legislation such as the DREAM Act to allow illegal immigrants to attend universities.

Ann Speicher, spokeswoman for the association, said the report is meant to remind President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney of the partnership between universities and government.

“We met with Mr. Romney’s campaign people and they have been very receptive to what we have to say,” she said.

Speicher said the Obama administration has collaborated well with universities.

“They understand the part that research universities play in what might be called our innovation ecosystem,” she said.

According to the report, 60 percent of research at universities is funded by the federal government.

“We did a similar paper back in 2008, and we found it very valuable as an opportunity to kind of lay out what we felt were important issues in higher education, particularly research and student aid,” Speicher said.

Chris Brown, vice president for research and graduate education for the UNC system, said the president plays a vital role in providing funding for research at universities.

This research is important for future economic growth, he said.

“A lot of the research that is done at our universities and elsewhere leads to new innovative products and concepts and processes,” he said.

Brown said research universities are important to train students for the future.

“Things change, and so we need to train the future generations for the jobs that they can get,” he said.

Barbara Entwisle, vice chancellor for research at UNC-CH, said in an email that the association’s recommendations to preserve research funding and Pell grants are crucial for UNC-CH and its students.

“Research universities are critical to the nation’s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness,” she said.

And passage of the DREAM Act would ensure that all the best talent has access to higher education and is able to contribute to research and spur innovation in America, Entwisle said.

“Now more than ever, America needs a well-educated and competitive workforce,” she said.

Contact the desk editor at state@dailytarheel.com.