University of North Texas to Launch $25 Million Research Effort

Dallas Business Journal -- The University of North Texas said Tuesday the school is ready to invest up to $25 million in programs that could grow the school’s reputation as a research institution, as well as the state’s economy, by emphasizing studies related to areas like technology and genetics.

The research programs will be divided into several clusters — bio/nano photonics; materials modeling; developmental physiology and genetics; signaling mechanisms in plants; autism spectrum disorders; advanced research in technology and the arts.

As part of the plan, the university hopes to hire several new faculty members to support each cluster of research. The new hires will be candidates chosen for their national and international reputations in senior level research.

“UNT is well-known for its excellence in the arts,” said President Gretchen M. Bataille. “Through this investment, we will expand our research excellence and raise our reputation as a public research university that competes at the top-level in everything we do.”

Below is a list of the research clusters that will receive special attention:

Bio/Nano photonics: how light can be used to develop nano-devices. Applications could be used in medicine, communications and energy.

Materials Modeling: predictive tools for creating new materials that will deal with greenhouse gases, the construction of better jet engines and materials that will be used for therapies tied to serious battlefield injuries.

Developmental Physiology and Genetics: the study of development biology at the molecular, cellular and physiological levels, which is expected to improve disease treatments.

Signaling Mechanisms in Plants: studying molecular level of plants. The information can be used to make advances in agriculture, human nutrition and medicine.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: expanding research in education, behavior analysis and learning technologies for autism.

Advanced Research in Technology and the Arts: This sector will expand work currently underway at the Center for Experimental Music and Intermedia.

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