Finding balance has always been important at Baylor. Think “Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana.” “Worldwide leadership and service.” “Faith and learning.” Equally important is “teaching and research.”
Baylor has a long history of great teachers, but in recent years the university has worked to bring its research efforts to a similar level. Baylor faculty contributions to major journals have more than doubled in the past decade. Total research expenditures (both from the university’s budget and external grants) have increased dramatically. And nothing testifies to Baylor’s emphasis on research more than the establishment of the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC).
A February report in the Waco Tribune-Herald noted that BRIC officials have heard from about 100 companies interested in partnering with the Baylor and Texas State Technical College researchers who will be working out of the new facility. Baylor programs will begin moving into BRIC by the beginning of 2013, if not sooner.
Last fall, Dr. Marlan Scully agreed to move his research on quantum optics, laser physics and bioengineering from Princeton to BRIC; other programs scheduled to move to BRIC include the Baylor Center for Spatial Research, the Hankamer School of Business’ Innovative Business Accelerator, the Baylor Institute for Air Science, Baylor’s Center for Astrophysics, Space Physics and Engineering Research, and TSTC’s technical training programs.
Why is such research important? Baylor’s draft strategic plan explains the answer under Aspirational Statement Two: “Baylor will be a place… where research discoveries illuminate solutions to significant challenges confronting our world and where creative endeavors reflect the breadth of God’s creation.”
Few universities recognized as having “high research activity” also have a Christian perspective; such an approach offers unique insights on issues ranging from health care and economics to human rights and social responsibility. Research into such areas allows our professors to remain on the cutting edge in their fields, gives undergraduate and graduate students hands-on opportunities in the discovery process, and contributes to finding solutions to some of the problems facing our world.
Sic ’em, Baylor researchers!
Previously on Baylor Proud:
* Forensics prof uses skills to bring closure to migrant families missing loved ones (Feb. 2012)
* Baylor research park moving forward with construction (Oct. 2011)
* Three Baylor students awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowships (May 2011)
* Baylor researchers, alumni spreading awareness of and seeking cure for PTSD (Nov. 2010)
* Baylor professors receive $1.46 million NIH grant for cancer research (June 2010)
