Becoming a Research Institution for the 21st Century
Rutgers stands at the forefront of a transformative era in research and innovation. We have achieved remarkable success, setting new records this year with nearly $970 million in sponsored award funding and more than 4,500 sponsored awards. Our unprecedented growth over the last several years is a testament to our world-renowned faculty, dedicated leadership, tireless research support staff, and strong partnerships with public and private stakeholders.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to addressing the ever-growing societal challenges alongside our partners, who are integral to our mission. As we transition from a great 20th-century research institution to a top-performing 21st-century research and innovation leader, we are evolving in exciting ways—developing cutting-edge research core services, integrating AI, using data to streamline processes, and developing and strengthening academic and research alliances.
Our 21st-century global challenges are formidable. At Rutgers, we see challenges as opportunities. Evolving how we work, ensuring accessibility to the tools and data researchers need, and encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for sustaining our growth in research and innovation. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made and the steps taken to advance access, equity, and inclusion in research and innovation.
Rutgers is undergoing unprecedented change, and our faculty are embracing new and exciting opportunities. I am honored to work alongside exceptional leaders, faculty, and staff. I look forward to the groundbreaking projects on the horizon, confident that the coming year will be a banner year for Rutgers. Together, we are not just preparing for the future - we are creating it.
Michael E. Zwick, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Research at Rutgers University