Letter from the Vice President for Research

Nabil Grace, Ph.D., PE, FESD
Vice President for Research

I am delighted to welcome you to the LTU Research Magazine. As we delve into the diverse and innovative research activities taking place across our campus, I am pleased to share with you the exciting progress we have made in advancing our institutional research goals.

Over the past year, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in research engagement and productivity, a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students. Notably, we are proud to report a significant increase in both the number and value of grant proposals submitted, marking steady progress in our journey toward achieving R2 institution status. In the first half of fiscal year 2024 alone, the total funding secured has already surpassed the entirety of fiscal year 2023, reflecting the growing momentum of our research enterprise.

At LTU, we are committed to fostering a vibrant research culture that empowers our faculty to pursue groundbreaking scholarship and innovation. To this end, we have allocated resources and support to attract and retain experienced researchers, with a strategic focus on expanding our faculty population. Through collaborative efforts across our colleges and departments, we are proud to offer start-up support to newly appointed faculty members, equipping them with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in their research endeavors.

Our ongoing initiatives, including the Faculty Research & Grant Incentive Program and the Office of Sponsored Research, underscore our dedication to providing comprehensive support to our research community. These initiatives aim to facilitate grant proposal development, offer research orientation for new faculty, and provide valuable resources and education through our partnership with the LTU Library.

I am thrilled to announce that LTU's Annual Research Day is scheduled to take place on April 19, 2024. This highly anticipated event serves as a platform to showcase the outstanding research achievements of our faculty and students, and I encourage our industry partners, sponsors, alumni, and friends to join us in celebrating our collective innovation and discovery.

Furthermore, I am pleased to share the exciting news of the establishment of the College of Health Sciences, a pivotal development that will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance research opportunities both within our university and beyond. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and driving impactful research outcomes.

As we embark on another year of growth and progress, I extend my sincere gratitude to our entire LTU community for your unwavering dedication and contributions to our research mission. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and shape a brighter future for LTU and beyond.

Nabil Grace, Ph.D., PE, FESD
Vice President for Research