By University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono, Michigan State University President Teresa Woodruff, and Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson:
Michigan has the unique distinction of being home to three of the nation's top research universities — Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University — which together make up Michigan's University Research Corridor. As presidents of these three institutions, we recognize our critical role in talent and economic development across the state of Michigan and beyond.
We know that Michigan's key business areas – manufacturing, automotive, health care and agriculture – rely on us as partners in developing the tools, technologies and talent to meet the demands of these evolving industries.
Our three universities conduct 91% of the state's total academic research and development — $2.6 billion annually. That's money coming into Michigan for cutting-edge research that ultimately improves the lives and health of our residents and communities.
All three universities are conducting research aimed at identifying environmental threats to human health such as PFAS and microplastics, as well as developing innovative ways to improve medical care across the state.
For example, the Michigan Opioid Technical Assistance Collaborative is a new state effort that taps our research institutions to help provide resources to Michigan communities working to reduce drug overdose deaths, which exceeded 3,000 statewide in 2021 and neared 2,000 in the first nine months of 2022.
Read the rest of the article in Crain’s Detroit Business.