Conover to deliver annual talk on UO research accomplishments

Scholarship, scientific inquiry and innovation will receive top billing at the State of Research talk, scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in the Erb Memorial Union Crater Lake rooms.

David Conover, UO vice president for research and innovation, will deliver the annual address, which will take a closer look at the growth and impact of the university’s research enterprise in 2018-19.

“It’s an opportunity to recognize faculty who have won significant research awards or made great discoveries and to look forward to the year ahead,” Conover said. “Our researchers and scholars had some outstanding achievements, and it’s because of them that our research profile continues to increase.”

In his talk, Conover will highlight accomplishments, drill down on performance metrics and offer a road map for the future of research and innovation. Open to all members of the university community and the public, the talk will include opening remarks by UO President Michael H. Schill.

The 2020 fiscal year has only just begun, but the UO is already off to a fast start, Conover said. Major investments are being made in research tools, infrastructure improvements, research administration software and other resources.

And large research grants addressing the epidemic of opioid abuse, earthquake preparedness and the expansion and modernization of UO zebrafish facilities have been awarded. As the UO looks ahead to the opening of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact in 2020, research and innovation will continue to play a central role, Conover said.

“Research creates jobs, improves human health, generates new knowledge and creates solutions to some of our most vexing challenges,” Conover said. “It’s a great time to celebrate our accomplishments and prepare for the exciting developments that lie ahead.”