RESEARCH OREGON 2006: OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE POWER OF
OREGONIANS
and their ability to imagine — and create — a
better world. I see evidence of that every day as a doctor, a
teacher and a researcher.
As incoming president of Oregon Health & Science
University, I am both impressed and humbled by the bright minds
at work at OHSU and across the state. But I am not surprised.
Oregon has always been a place where people have pushed
boundaries, asked compelling questions and found new
answers.
As you read through this special report, I think you too will
be impressed by the variety and vitality of Oregon’s
research programs and the substantial benefits they bring to
our state. These benefits include new companies, new high-wage
jobs and hundreds of millions of out-of-state dollars flowing
into Oregon, improving the quality of life for all.
While the economic benefits are dramatic, we should also never
forget the personal impact. The people whose lives are made
easier by a portable kidney dialysis unit that exists thanks to
breakthroughs at the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies
Institute. Farmers who are able to stay in business and prosper
thanks to groundbreaking climate-data research at Southern
Oregon University. People who survive the next tsunami thanks
to knowledge created by the world’s largest wave basin at
Oregon State University. The examples are practically
endless.
I’m proud to say OHSU is doing its part and in many
crucial areas, leading the way. More than 3,275 research
projects are currently underway at OHSU, supported by more than
$300 million in grants and award funding. This work directly
benefits Oregonians and helps OHSU fulfill its mission of
teaching, healing, discovery and service.
Dr. Brian Druker, whose research at the OHSU Cancer Institute
helped create the world’s most successful cancer therapy,
often says that the important thing is not to think outside the
box but to see the box. See what’s right in front of you
that others may have missed.
Senators Wyden and Smith, along with many others, myself
included, look at Oregon and see a future that’s bright,
thanks to the hard work of researchers, donors, community
leaders, businesses, policy makers and institutions —
people who are committed to creating a better world through the
power of knowledge.
Joseph E. Robertson Jr.,
M.D., M.B.A.
President
Oregon Health & Science
University
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