UC argues against research budget cuts

Proposed cuts to the University of California’s research
budget could undercut development of new technology that drives the
state’s economy.

UC officials are using this logic to try to convince state
officials to spare the university from suffering further
reductions.

University research has been the backbone for the state’s
success in high technology sectors of the economy, according to
Mike Darby, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School.

“Our dominance in biotech is because of dominance in
universities,” said Darby, whose own work focuses on how
university research affects the economy

State officials are debating Gov. Gray Davis’s proposal
for dealing with an estimated $35 billion budget shortfall, a
proposal that could hurt the state’s economy in the
long-term.

Davis has proposed cutting the university’s research
budget by 10 percent for 2003-2004, after a similar cut was enacted
for this school year.

Yet studies since World War II show research and development is
a major factor in the nation’s subsequent economic growth,
said UC press aide Brad Hayward.

Darby said the university’s argument is probably correct,
because his own studies have shown a connection between scientific
research, new technology and economic growth.

“Where its major productive growth is, it tends to be more
related to what’s been happening in terms of the
universities,” Darby said.

Because of the economic consequences, the UC’s research
budget is one area that should not be cut in this year’s
budget, he added.

“It’s better to be able to plan next year than to
cut back in areas of income,” Darby said, explaining that the
state is pursuing short-term solutions.

Hayward said the university is “disappointed” with
Davis’ current budget proposal but supports it unless more
cuts are made.

Last year’s cuts were leveled across the board, affecting
research in areas ranging from agriculture to biotechnology.

They affected every UC campus, which hurt the local economy near
each campus.

“Local projects at the campuses are integral to
California’s economy,” said UC Regent Velma
Montoya.

It is a difficult project to calculate how much of an impact the
cuts will have, but it is “likely to be significant,”
Darby said.

But cuts for 2003-04 are not finalized and won’t be for
months, as Democrats and Republicans are expected to debate into
the summer before reaching an agreement.

Various groups, including the UC Office of the President and
student groups will try to lobby legislators during this time to
try to protect their interests as the budget changes during
debates.

“I hope we are not cut any more,” Montoya said.

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