OSU launches strategic investment into research providing societal solutions

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Oklahoma State University plans to fund more than $1.5 million per year in research over a multi-year period as part of a new research initiative to stimulate partnerships that can solve important problems faced by Oklahoma and the nation. The Highly Integrative Basic and Responsive (HIBAR) Research program will begin with an idea competition to identify themes.

The HIBAR Research approach has been promoted by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) in a call for researchers to unite and ‘engage theory with practice for transformative solutions.’ OSU leaders recognize that the institution’s reputation is driven, in part, by the public’s appreciation for the impact of OSU’s research. The HIBAR Research concept will elevate university research by building on scientific excellence and its application through collaborations among multiple faculty groups, other academic institutions, business and industry, and government agencies.

“OSU has many excellent faculty members whose research is on the more fundamental end of the spectrum,” said Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president for research. “And we have other researchers, scholars, educators, and even artists whose expertise can more directly translate fundamental science into practical solutions.”

The idea competition is the first of a multi-phase competitive process. Up to five teams will then be selected to receive small planning grants and have six months to complete a full application. It is anticipated that two programs will be selected for further investment over multiple years in the form of pilot programs, start-up funds, and collaboration resources.

“OSU research has been positively impacting Oklahoma and the nation since the very first scientific study was conducted here more than a century ago,” Sewell said. “Our investments in the OSU HIBAR Research themes will magnify that legacy of relevance.”

OSU’s HIBAR Research program is open to teams of OSU faculty who may partner with faculty from other universities, industry partners or governmental groups.

The deadline for the idea competition submissions is Nov. 1. To learn more, or access the Request for Applications, click here.[BROKEN LINK]