Chancellor Alexander Cartwright spoke about research, creative activities and economic development at his address in Monsanto Auditorium on Tuesday. Cartwright introduced many new programs to grow research at MU.

These programs include the Academy of Curators Professors, Artist in Residence Program, Mizzou Innovates Program, National Research Centers, Office of Research Advancement and Double NIH and Industry Sponsored Clinical Trials Funding.

One of the new programs, the Academy of Curators Professors, will help the Curators’ Professors act as a resource for the entire university while providing mentorship to students and junior faculty, according to an MU News Bureau press release.

“I believe that one of the most powerful ways we can thrive as an institution and increase our external recognition is by bringing people together,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright said the process of MU students learning from faculty who also use the university to conduct research expands education and innovation in Missouri, the U.S. and even the world.

MU is ranked as a doctoral university with the “highest research activity,” according to the Carnegie jClassification of Institutions of Higher Education.

“After a little more than 200 days here, I want to focus on some of the ways Mizzou makes a positive impact on the state, the nation and the world,” Cartwright said.

He also introduced a five-year plan to double MU’s federal funding.

This funding will come from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, in addition to other industries and foundations, according to an MU News Bureau press release.

Cartwright said philanthropic support also helps to drive MU’s excellence. A large portion of these funds come from MU alumni who donate $93.7 million every year, Cartwright said.

“Our impact is amplified by the support of our tremendous supporters, many of them are our alums,” Cartwright said. “Our donors support our signature centers of excellence that enable our international recognized scholars to impact the world.”

Cartwright said these centers include the Reynolds Journalism Institute, the Thompson Center, the Novac Leader Institute and the Murray Center for Documentary Journalism, among others.

Over $200 million in outside funding is brought in by MU researchers every year, according to an MU News Bureau press release. This means that MU has a significant impact on Missouri’s economy. Cartwright said he hopes to attract three to five national research centers in the next five years.

The funds given to MU by the research centers will help create new innovation spaces at Ellis Library and new facilities at the School of Music.

Cartwright said these are “new and ambitious goals” and to accomplish this, an office for research advancement will be established.

“It’s our people that make Mizzou exceptional,” Cartwright said as he closed his address.

Alek Willsey, a research assistant in the philosophy department and treasurer of the Graduate Professional Council, introduced Cartwright at the address. He spoke of his journey in the field of philosophy at the graduate level.

“I am grateful to Mizzou that there is so much opportunity on campus that we would never expect,” Willsey said.

_Edited by Morgan Smith | mosmith@themaneater.com_