University chiefs seek research support; Benefits ripple throughout the state, presidents tell legislators.

BYLINE: ANDREA JONES; Staff

Scientists are studying everything from diabetes to bird flu at the state's four public research institutions and bringing in millions of dollars in research grants, university presidents told lawmakers Monday.

The presidents of Medical College of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia outlined research on their campuses before the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday, giving an overview of economic impact and health and medical benefits for Georgians.

Mike Cassidy, head of the Georgia Research Alliance, a nonprofit group that recruits top researchers to the state, said Georgia is poised to become an international leader in drug and vaccine research. Scientists at Georgia universities are already working on vaccines for AIDS and Alzheimer's disease, and Cassidy said the state should increase funding to lure more top researchers, who in turn start companies and bring money into Georgia.

"We want to do the deals that grow Georgia's economy," he said. Since its founding in 1990, the research alliance has brought 54 scholars to institutions in the state.

Presidents also made their pitch for more money.

Georgia State President Carl Patton said his institution has a $100 million backlog in major repairs and renovations on campus. UGA President Michael Adams said keeping faculty salaries competitive is a top priority.

Later in the day, MCG President Daniel Rahn, Chancellor Erroll Davis and Adams were called back by the committee to talk about the planned MCG campus in Athens at the Navy Supply Corps School. The plan has drawn fire from at least one Augusta lawmaker, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ben Harbin (R-Evans), who has said he doesn't support it.

On Monday, Rep. Bob Smith (R-Watkinsville) criticized the presidents for not telling lawmakers about the plan earlier.

"We want to be your partners. We feel like the governor, you three and the Athens mayor were all knowing about this project, but the taxpayers, through the House Appropriations Committee, did not," he said.

Gov. Sonny Perdue has already earmarked $3.8 million to develop a joint medical training program among the schools that would put 40 med school students in Athens by fall 2009.

Davis apologized and said the bidding for the Navy property was competitive and had to be kept quiet. "There was no conscious effort to exclude the committee," he said.