New Research Initiative – 50 in 5

Dear Campus Community -

The University of Houston takes immense pride in the progress it has made as a comprehensive research institution during the past decade. Exceeding the Texas Legislature's benchmarks for National Research University Funding (NRUF), notably improving our position in the Top American Research University (TARU) rankings and achieving Tier One status are the results of having a big dream and pursuing it with passion.

Now, we need to make that dream even bigger.

It is time to look beyond Tier One and set our sights on a new level of excellence. Today, I am announcing a bold initiative to substantially expand the research enterprise at our University. Called Research Preeminence: 50 in 5, this ambitious program will focus on increasing everything related to our research efforts and scholarly output at UH by 50 percent during the next 5-year period. This includes publications, citations, awards, casebooks, cited performances and research expenditures. In addition, we will double the number of our national research centers from the current 5 to 10.

Reaching these objectives should produce the kind of outcomes one associates with membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Are these goals challenging? Indeed they are. Are they within our reach? Indeed they are - provided we effectively draw on the considerable intellectual vitality and innovative spirit all across this campus.

In the weeks and months ahead, you will hear more from Provost Short and Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer Elnashai about this new campaign, including details about resources that will be available to assist and encourage our research community. In the meantime, please join me in taking the first confident steps forward as we begin our journey toward Research Preeminence: 50 in 5.

With warm regards,
Renu Khator
President