The Biological Imperative
The Dean's Musings
Originally published in the January 1999 issue of CLASnotes.
In big-time science, much of the action today is in biology. Let me hasten to concede that the natural and mathematical sciences offer many other exciting areas, but the molecular aspects of biology seem to be the high flyers, the attention grabbers (e.g., Nobels). Thus, the provost's new initiative in molecular biology and genetics takes on particular importance and interest to UF and CLAS.
No rich history of molecular biology is to be found in CLAS. To be sure, our departments of zoology and botany have, over the years, carved out important areas of the biological sciences for which they are well known, but biology at the molecular level has not been a strength. And the department of chemistry, until more recently, had no significant component of biochemistry, although that is rapidly changing.
The fact that we were molecular-biology challenged has its pluses and minuses. On the one hand, we have not yet developed a broad reputation in the field that attracts attention to UF, but by the same token, we also do not find ourselves heavily invested in outdated programs and personnel. There is an opportunity to survey the field(s), seek counsel from the experts, and plot a course to excellence.
The Tigert plan, which is only in its early stages of implementation, has been much discussed, but little publicized. Not surprisingly, it centers around resources, including such components as a central core facility, a molecular sciences and genetics institute, senior faculty hires, complementary junior hires, and lots of high tech equipment. This will require deep pockets, a reality not lost on the provost. Some of the funding is in hand; the rest is being sought.
The research enterprise at UF is in a good position to tackle this important project. Research grants and contracts are at record levels, with CLAS playing a major role in the increase. Money from patents and licensing agreements, where CLAS is less a force, is also up sharply. Coupled with the healthier state budgets of late, UF is well poised to make an impact. And the currently-in-progress graduate student growth initiative will help provide the research personnel to fuel the program. The prospects are exciting.
For CLAS to meet its obligations (and opportunities) as a central element in the biological effort, many departments should participate. In addition to the three units already mentioned, one can readily imagine new and/or enhanced biological components in physics, mathematics, psychology, statistics, geology, anthropology, etc. Brave New Worlds in biology will also call for attention in ethics, philosophy, writing, history, gender studies, and other areas that some of you will understand much better than I, and about which I would be most pleased to hear. As usual, CLAS can bring much to the table.
As noted early-on in this column, the scholarly foundation of CLAS is very broad, and enhancing molecular biology should not be seen as a threat to our traditional strengths or to the many other new initiatives our faculty are leading. I believe that the biology movement will complement and stimulate research activities in this active college. CLAS faculty always respond well to challenges.
Credits
Writer
Will Harrison, Dean
