A record 32 researchers and their support staff from the Office of Research and Commercialization were recognized last week in what has become a much-anticipated campus tradition  –  induction into the UCF Millionaires Club.

Researchers in areas ranging from education to simulation to photonics made the ninth edition of the list, which began in 2000 to celebrate the accomplishments of highly funded researchers, much in the same manner that universities traditionally celebrate the success of sports teams.

The sole criteria for entrée into the exclusive order is external sponsored research funding of $1 million or more during a given fiscal year. 

The club has grown from the inaugural class of six researchers in 2000, who cumulatively received $11.7 million, to the 2008 class which received a total of $60.4 million.

“There are many ways to analyze the growth of research and commercialization at UCF but recognizing the hard work and intellectual power that is rewarded in the extremely competitive world of external research funding is one of the truest indicators of our success,” said MJ Soileau, vice president for research and commercialization.

Research funding at the university has grown exponentially in the past decade, from $37.5 million in 1999 to the new record high of $122.8 million in 2008.

Despite the economic turbulence of the last year, research funding continued to grow, rising more than 17 percent in two years.

The College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Institute for Simulation and Training were the three units with the most external funding in 2008, reflected in the makeup of the year’s class of millionaires. 

Sandra Robinson, dean of the College of Education, has ranked at the top of the millionaires list six of nine years, with funding from the Florida Department of Education for development of programs in literacy and reading.

Andrew Daire, an associate professor of education who leads the UCF Marriage & Family Research Institute, was inducted in the club for the first time for a federally funded project that is helping 800 low and moderate income couples get the help they need to keep their marriages, their families, and ultimately the community, strong.

Another first-timer millionaire, Necati Catbas, an assistant professor in civil, environmental and construction engineering, is conducting research that is leading to new tools for better predicting the strength and lifespan of bridges.

Also recognized were more than 30 support staff from the Office of Research and Commercialization who assisted in the preparation and submission of 1,395 proposals in 2008, and the management of grants received.

“We’re very proud of our support staff and the invaluable role they play in all areas of sponsored research, from the management of proposals and grants to making sure we comply with federal standards and regulations,” said Tom O’Neal, associate Vice President for Research and Commercialization.

“None of this growth would be possible without the dedication of our entire team of researchers and staff.”

 

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