North Carolina is renowned for its commitment to scientific research.
The famous Research Triangle Institute’s headquarters, where scientists pursue new advancements in science and technology, is stationed in the state. In addition, the state’s public and private universities collaborate on a regular basis to improve residents’ quality of life.
Such research initiatives now could face drastic reductions as UNC officials review the effects of a proposed 4 percent cut in state-appropriated funding.
H. Shelton Earp, director of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, said that if the budget cuts are approved in August, research at the University will suffer.
“It really will have an effect on filling faculty positions and bringing the kind of researchers in who are able to both teach and create new knowledge,” Earp said.
Still, officials said, groups award a substantial amount of money to institutions like UNC through private grants and funds.
In 2004, UNC’s sponsored research funding reached $577.6 million — an increase of 7.5 percent from the year before.
So even though state funding plays a major role in the University’s ability to probe deeper into the sciences, officials remain optimistic about the future of research at UNC.
Tony Waldrop, vice chancellor for research and economic development, said research faculty at UNC have proven resilient to budget cuts in the past.