Michigan Technological University (MTU) has joined the University Research Corridor (URC) in Michigan, teaming up with Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. This is a big deal because it’s the first time since the URC started in 2006 that a new member has joined.
MTU recently earned a prestigious R1 status, recognizing it as one of the top research schools in the nation. Being part of the URC enhances MTU’s role in important areas like advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and health sciences.
“We’re excited to join the URC and collaborate with Michigan’s top research institutions. Together, we will keep driving innovation and support our state’s growth in research and talent development,” said Rick Koubek, president of MTU.
The four R1 universities in Michigan collectively conduct a huge amount of research, totaling over $3.135 billion for the 2023 fiscal year. This research makes up more than 93% of what Michigan institutions do in academic research and development, with a strong focus on defense and health sciences.
MTU has a rich history of working with industry partners, spending $106.9 million on research in the fiscal year 2024—a remarkable 300% increase since 2004. Its expertise in engineering and sustainability adds valuable resources to the URC, helping tackle major challenges facing our world today.
For years, MTU has collaborated with the other URC universities to work on projects that matter to Michigan residents. These partnerships have led to breakthroughs in areas like medical devices, water quality in the Great Lakes, and autonomous vehicle technology.
“Adding Michigan Tech to the URC is a perfect match. Their expertise in engineering and environmental science will enhance our ability to tackle pressing issues,” said Santa J. Ono, chair of the URC executive board.
All four URC universities are dedicated to building strong partnerships with industry and government, as shown by their involvement in the Michigan Space Grant Consortium, a NASA-backed program promoting space science and technology.
They also work together to help grow Michigan’s innovation scene, creating programs to support new ventures and bring technology to market faster, which benefits everyone in the state.
With over 159,000 students enrolled and nearly 40,000 degrees awarded in 2023, the URC universities equip young people for high-demand jobs in areas like engineering, business, and computer science. Together, they graduate nearly 15,000 students annually in these key fields.
“Michigan Tech’s inclusion in the URC is a turning point for us. By combining our strengths, we will ramp up economic growth and create more opportunities for Michiganders,” said Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of the URC.
Michigan Technological University, founded in 1885 in Houghton, is an R1 public research university with around 7,500 students from over 60 countries. Known for its strong return on investment, MTU offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including science, technology, and engineering. Located near Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the campus is an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
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R1, research, URC, Michigan
