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New Jersey-The Innovative State Part XIV: TECHNOLOGY TRIUMPHS: NJ R&D Council Expands ITS Mission

Posted on: Monday, 14 June 2004, 06:00 CDT

The Research & Development Council of New Jersey according to its chairman, Dr. Robert Schaffhauser, has embarked on an aggressive agenda this year, including: an enhanced mission statement; support for a "Technology Corridor," which parallels Route 1 between New York and Philadelphia; a pro-active stance to keep the state's eight military installations in New Jersey; increased educational outreach programs in high schools and colleges; maintenance of the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame, and championing an innovative triangular partnership among academia, the high-tech industry and state government. Those are just some of the arrows in its scientific quiver.

The R&D Council has thrown the weight of its 90-member organization behind the efforts to save the eight military installations around the state, which are in danger of being shut under a Congressionally ordered 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC). It was a vocal part of the May 3 demonstration at the Trenton War Memoral, called by Governor James E. McGreevey. At that time, McGreevey signed an Executive Order creating the Governor's Commission to Protect and Enhance New Jersey's Military Bases. Schaffhauser says the bases represent $5 billion in salaries for 98,000 workers, and more than $100 billion in contract work.

"We are in a full court press to keep these installations operating in New Jersey," says Schaffhauser.

The Council is particularly concerned about the fate of three bases - Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, Fort Monmouth and Lakehurst Naval Air Station. Fort Monmouth, for example, is the Army's major base for communications, command and control. It has 5,500 civilian and military personnel, including 1,700 scientists, and pumps about $2.5 billion into the state economy annually.

The R&D Council is working closely with the new Technology Caucus, headed by Assemblyman Upendra Chivukule, to support some of the research-oriented startup firms. The bicameral (Senate & Assembly), bipartisan Legislative Caucus on Science & Technology will concentrate legislative expertise to further enhance the state's premier position as a leader in research, development and innovation.

Schaffhauser, a retired executive from Engelhard Corporation, says the Denville-based Council has "revamped its mission statement to foster the advancement of research and development that supports the growth of technology/innovation in New Jersey by nurturing an environment that encourages the working partnerships between academia, industry and the state." This dovetails with McGreevey's plan for Innovation Zones," which seeks to attract high-tech companies into clustered areas around New Jersey's research universities.

The synergism among this triangular cluster (industry, academia, and government) would lead to more research, more commercialization, and more jobs. The R&D Council wants to be the centerpiece within this triangle.

Education is a keystone of the Council's mission and it is vigorously supporting Newark's University Heights Science Park and High School; promoting a statewide science competition called the Science Olympiad; and continuing to offer internships and mentormg of students by its member firms. it also honors science teachers and science students. The Science High School is to open in September 2006.

The Council has adopted the University Heights Science High School as an on-going project," says Schaffhauser. "Our members will help supply the high school with lab equipment and computers. We have given our full support to the development of the project."

The Council chairman says members are providing work-study programs and internships for both students and teachers.

Schaffhauser says the goal of the Science Olympiad is to create a statewide science competition to be held at one of the state's science universities. He also hopes to enlist the help of state government in the program. The event would honor students and focus attention on careers in science.

It is already involved in promoting science among primary and secondary school students in a partnership with the New Jersey Science Olympiad, the New Jersey Science Teachers Association and the New Jersey Science Education Leadership Association. It sponsors regional science events, much like science fairs. A Northern Regional Tournament was held in January at Montclair State University, which involved 15 middle schools and 12 high schools.

It also gives $2,000 scholarships to students in the first year at one of the 19 community colleges in the state. About 15 science scholars who have a year left in their two-year program will be given the scholarships this year. They must continue their education within the state, attending one of the state's six doctoral research institution's following graduation.

Schaffhauser says the Council seeks to keep bright young people in the state.

Among its educational efforts are the "Outstanding Science Scholar of the Year" award, which includes a $5,000 prize. It also has Patent Awards, Technician Scholarships, Educator of the Year Award and Science/Technology Awards. The awards are given annually at liberty Science Center in Jersey City, an institution it has supported since its inception. Last year's Science/Technology medals went to Robert Eisner, chairman, president and CEO of Wyeth; Dr. Shirley M. Tilghman, president of Princeton University; and Dr. Roy Vagelos, former chairman and CEO of Merck.

The R&D Council enthusiastically supports the $107-million expansion of the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City (described elsewhere in this issue). Council President Alan Fliss says the success of the Center is a great inspiration for students considering careers in the sciences. "What underscores its importance is the fact that former Governor Thomas Kean, who officiated at its opening in the 1980s, came back for the announcement of its expansion in the middle of his hearings as chairman of the 9/11 Commission. He and three other former governors came and stayed."

Copyright New Jersey Business & Industry Association Jun 01, 2004

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