The Research University of the Future [Point of View]

The focus of this opinion piece is on the future of research universities, in particular the public research universities, some of the challenges that these institutions are facing, and how these might result, in fact undoubtedly will result in changes to these institutions. Some of these changes will be positive and will be welcomed by all, while some will prove to be very challenging, in some cases difficult. Some of what will be explored here was discussed in the panel held at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, DC, in February. The panel was moderated by this author. It is argued that what the author calls "the American Model" has catapulted the United States to being the leader worldwide in science, engineering, and technology. Today, with the accelerating speed of technological change and with an increasingly linked global economy, the future of the United States is directly tied to continuing to be at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology. It is this leadership that is being threatened. Whatever the changes in disciplines and the organization of universities, whatever the impact of the "digital age" student, universities will adapt; however, all this pales in comparison to the threat to our worldwide leadership in research. To maintain this leadership will require a recommitment to the "American Model" where the research mission of higher education not only continues to be supported by the US federal government, but also is considered to be a top priority by the President and by the US Congress.