“A strong research program is vital to the University of Delaware's mission in not only educating and preparing our students for the future, but also in advancing new knowledge and innovative technologies that will benefit society at large,” President Patrick Harker said. “We welcome the public to visit this new Web site to learn more about the impressive contributions our faculty, staff, and students are making across the research spectrum.”
“Extraordinary research projects and programs are under way at UD,” said Carolyn Thoroughgood, UD vice provost for research and graduate studies. “Our new Web site is designed to serve as an exciting public gateway to UD's fascinating world of research, as well as a useful internal resource for our faculty and staff, providing the tools they need to successfully compete for and manage their research grants and programs.”
The new Web site, developed by UD's Research Communications Initiative in the Office of Public Relations, includes information for a broad range of audiences, from industries seeking information on UD technologies, to schoolchildren eager to learn more about science and technology, business, the arts, and humanities.
Among the site's special features are major portals for “Research News,” the “Technology Marketplace” featuring patented UD inventions available for licensing, “Cool Clips” highlighting research videos and podcasts, and a “Kids' Corner” offering fun and educational children's activities.
Additionally, a number of internal resources are provided to aid UD researchers in developing high-quality research proposals, managing their research grants in compliance with federal and University regulations, protecting their intellectual property, and presenting their research results. A student section includes information on research opportunities, fellowships, and internships at UD, as well as links to external resources.
Visitors to the new site will find a lot to explore:
UD has more than 50 research centers and institutes--important state, national, and international assets--focusing on topics ranging from composites to corporate governance and cancer research.
- UD has world-class research facilities ranging from the 146-foot coastal research vessel Hugh R. Sharp, named one of the top vessels built in North America in 2006, to a new state-of-the-art, high-speed confocal microscope for peering into cells and structures at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.
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The “Technology Marketplace” highlights innovation at UD, including OrphageniX, a new company founded in Wilmington, Del., which is commercializing UD's patented technologies for repairing genes that cause rare, hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anemia and spinal muscular atrophy.
“Research News” reports on recent UD discoveries, from the finding of a new planet, to the invention of Jello-like hydrogels for use in repairing and regenerating human tissue.
In the “Kids' Corner,” Kristi Kiick, UD associate professor of materials science and engineering, shares how she got hooked on a career in science and teaching. Marianne Carter, registered dietitian and director of the new Delaware Center for Health Promotion, shares fitness tips for kids in “Strut Your Stuff.” Visitors can also activate a talking microbe and learn the importance of these tiny organisms, explore UD's International Polar Year research, and test their knowledge of the Blue Hen Chicken in a quiz developed with support from Instructional Technologies - User Services. This portion of the site highlights a changing selection of educational activities and resources available across campus.
UD's state, national, and international efforts to protect poultry--a major world food source--from avian flu is featured in the “Cool Clips.” The video is the first in a series that is being produced in collaboration with University Media Services.
A free, electronic news service--UD Research News--is being launched in conjunction with the new Web site, reporting on the University's research discoveries, faculty and student achievements, and events. Visit [www.udel.edu/research/subscription] to subscribe to the e-news service or sign up for the RSS feed.
UD's Research Communications Initiative, located within the Office of Public Relations, includes Tracey Bryant, assistant director for research communications, David Barczak, senior art director, and Pam Donnelly, production coordinator. The staff's mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of UD research by translating complex information and sharing it with audiences of all ages in interesting and engaging ways, from news articles and Web sites to virtual field trips.
To comment on the site, write to [UDresearch@udel.edu].
