A summary of the report and recommendations of the Blue-Ribbon Task Force is available here . Beginning with this issue, Highlights adds news about institutional innovations and initiatives that help to achieve New Jersey's shared vision for higher education. Newark's Science Park Moves Forward With the planned addition of a world-class center for infectious disease research, the four colleges and universities that make up the Council for Higher Education in Newark are a giant step closer to realizing their vision for a science and technology park in the city's Central Ward. Construction of the International Center for Public Health is expected to begin in March 1999, launching the second phase of development of the University Heights Science Park. The center will house the Public Health Research Institute, a New York-based biomedical research institute that focuses on infectious disease and public health research, including the study of antibiotic resistance and the development of new antibiotics.
Officials hope to attract private technology companies to adjacent building sites.
It aims to harness university research as a force for urban and regional economic and community development. The ambitious project will link higher education and industry, thereby easing the transfer of technology from universities to Science Park companies. It also strives to improve the quality of life for Newark residents by creating jobs and business opportunities, improving education, and providing housing, day care, and retail space. The first phase of Science Park, completed in 1996, includes a small office and laboratory building, a 30,000 square foot business incubator that houses 17 technology start-up companies, and a child care center. The proposed budget for FY 1999 unveiled by Governor Whitman this month includes several important increases for higher education.