Michigan Technological University| Jcvertin, Wikimedia Commons
Earlier this week, Michigan Technological University joined Michigan’s leading public research universities as a member of the University Research Corridor.
The University Research Corridor, also known as the URC, was founded in 2006 and brings the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University and now Michigan Tech together in a partnership intended to foster talent, attract business and prepare a skilled workforce for jobs demanded by industries of the future.
“Michigan Tech’s addition to the URC is a natural fit,” said Santa J. Ono, chair of the URC executive board and president of the University of Michigan. “MTU’s world-class research and deep expertise in engineering, technology and environmental science will amplify the URC’s ability to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing Michigan and the world. Together, we are better positioned than ever to support economic growth and innovation throughout the state.”
Michigan Tech was recently elevated to R1 research institution status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, marking it as one of the nation’s most elite research institutions with “very high research activity.”
By joining the URC, the partnership said Michigan Tech can further align its research and talent pipeline with the state’s key industries, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and life and health sciences.
Michigan Tech has also actively engaged in research partnerships with the URC’s founding universities, yielding advancements in life-saving medical devices, watershed restoration, water quality in the Great Lakes, astronomical observation and autonomous vehicle technology.
“Michigan Tech is honored to join the URC and work alongside Michigan’s leading research institutions,” said MTU President Richard J. Koubek. “Together, we will continue driving innovation, supporting industry, and ensuring our state remains a global leader in research and talent development.”
Research at the four URC member schools accounts for 93% of the state’s total academic research and development spending and 95% of the state’s total academic R&D funded by the federal government, which supports defense-related, health sciences and other research to drive American competitiveness.
With a total enrollment of more than 159,000 students and almost 40,000 degrees conferred in 2023, the URC said its members are preparing talent in high demand by Michigan’s leading industries, including nearly 15,000 engineering, business and computer science graduates each year.
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