The most fundamental research has always been done at universities and we honor that tradition, but, the world has changed and universities must change as well. The lines have become blurred between fundamental and applied research and, in fact, I was never that much interested in the difference anyway. What interests me is the difference between good and bad research. Good research answers questions, solves problems and adds to knowledge. The fact that it contributes to our society through commercialization or in some other manner does not make academic research somehow tainted.
Applied research can be important also.
Furthermore, I do not accept the common criticism that research interferes with teaching. To start with, all research is teaching. Research is the acquisition of new knowledge and the articulation of that knowledge to all the world through publication and presentati on whether it be in a classroom or in a journal. It is hard to imagine a good teacher that never learns anything new and one of the best ways to keep up with your discipline is to participate in it. Again, the good news is that I have met with Deans and other administrators from across the University, the current President and the future one, and science and the College of Sciences is appreciated and strongly supported by them all.