Research is a part of each institution's role and mission in varying degrees. At some institutions, particularly the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, research, both basic and applied, is central to their reason for being. At the State Colleges, research is more closely tied to teaching and directly applicable to the instructional setting or faculty development. Community college research is directly applicable to the classroom or work place. The Commission expects each institution to strive for a balance between teaching and research that is appropriate to its distinct mission.
Research means resources and recognition for our institutions.
It attracts qualified faculty and provides them with significant professional development opportunities. Research can create new and distinct learning opportunities for the students. Ties between research institutions, industry and the state enhance options for technology transfer and support the state's economic development. Research activities at postsecondary educational institutions can be misunderstood by the general public who do not see its results. The public asks for accountability from these research activities.