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University-based Research Initiatives Slated for Reduction in Georgia Budget

January 20, 2010
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Gov. Sonny Perdue last week outlined an $18.2 billion budget for FY11 that reduces spending across several state agencies, including a $9.6 million reduction for R&D activities through the Research Consortium. The governor’s budget also would eliminate two science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs within the Department of Education.

The Research Consortium, which supports R&D and tech-based economic development activities at Georgia’s research universities, would receive $16.7 million in FY11, down from $26.3 million approved last year. Executive recommendations include eliminating funding for the Traditional Industries Program ($1.6 million) and the Bio-Refinery program ($200,000).

The governor’s budget also would reduce by approximately $5 million certain investments made by the Georgia Research Alliance in core research labs and centers of excellence and eliminate its Next Generation Vaccine Collaboration Planning Grants Initiative. Launched in 2007, the initiative leverages the talent and infrastructure strengths of Georgia’s major research universities to promote new investment in vaccine and drug development.

For the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC)/Economic Development Institute, the governor recommends $21.4 million, down from $24.8 million in FY10. This includes a reduction of $2.5 million for the seed capital fund.

Two STEM programs within the Department of Education again are on the chopping block after lawmakers restored funding for the programs last year. The governor’s budget would eliminate $250,000 for the Georgia Youth Science and Technology program, which offers educational programming that increases student and teacher interest in STEM fields, and $500,000 from the National Science Center and Foundation. This program promotes student interest in math and science by offering education programs and developing and helping schools implement educational technology.

Gov. Sonny Perdue’s FY11 budget is available at: http://www.opb.state.ga.us/.

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