University professors - including those at the University of Michigan - are among the brightest and most talented innovators. They often join academia to perform investigatory research in their areas of expertise. Often - especially in medicine, engineering and other sciences - their research is extremely expensive. Federal funding cuts would result in fewer available professorial positions and less funding for those who can remain.
The cuts could devastate graduate students also. Graduate research programs may admit fewer students and the job market could become unstable. Consequently, researchers may avoid many innovative avenues of study - lack of funding could force professors and potential graduate students to take their skills to the private sector.
Moreover, U.S. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor) warned, "Not only are we dealing with money for medical research ... If we don't research on our own shores we will be outstripped by foreign nations." Much of today's technology originated at U.S. universities, often giving Americans first access to new innovations. Cutting research funding would eliminate the technological leadership Americans take for granted.
At last week's regents meeting, Interim Vice President for Research Frederick Neidhardt said the University can look to several options to make up for a re-education in federal funding. These include: increasing non-federal funding, increasing spending efficiency and attempting to modify the federal research support environment. As Congress ponders the possibilities of cuts, it is wise for the University to begin studying these options.
Although Congress has yet to approve the cuts, the University must be prepared to find alternative sources of funding. Industry is often interested in real-world applications of research. The University could forge new partnerships that would help not only research, but expand the job opportunities of those students who contribute to the findings. Moreover, departments must stress efficiency - frivolous spending still plagues the University.
Increasing tuition to compensate for funding cuts is one avenue upon which the University must not embark. Research is certainly a vital aspect of the University's existence, but students must take priority. Maintaining the $27.3 million in tuition stipends that federal research provides to students must be first on every administrator's agenda.
The race to slash the federal budget is a new fad in American politics - but it is not always in the country's best interest. Such cuts would harm the University - and American education overall.