To: all faculty (

I am enthused about the many faculty who are pursuing the funding opportunities afforded by the American Research and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA, aka Stimulus Package). As the ARRA has particular mandates regarding economic development, you may find proposals asking you to address additional subjects beyond the normal requirements for evidence of innovative research objectives and good scholarship. Let me offer you some information that might help you address some of these issues. We have had considerable assistance from many groups, and we thank them. These mandates will no doubt be refined over time, and will be posted on our website Evidence of successful Technology Transfer and Innovation
Columbia University has an outstanding track record of turning research innovations into technologies in the market, resulting in increased American jobs, taxes, and exports. Columbia is widely considered to have one of the most experienced and successful technology transfer offices in the world, with more than 300 invention disclosures from faculty, 50 license deals, 100 industry sponsored research agreements, and more than 10 new start-up companies each year. Since its founding in 1983, Columbia STV has managed over 3500 inventions and 1000 patents, and has been among the top university generators of licensing revenue in the world. The office is staffed by over 50 technology transfer specialists, including 15 technology licensing officers with academic & industry experience and 5 in-house attorneys. Additionally, Columbia STV has a particular focus on start-up companies. Over the years, STV has launched 93 companies based on Columbia's technologies, 65 of which are still active today. Of these 93 companies, 33 were venture-backed, 12 have gone public, and 9 have been acquired. Many of Columbia’s inventions have become integrated into life-saving or life-improving products available to consumers globally, including: Remicade; ReoPro; Tysabri; Zolinza; Synagis; Xalatan; Xalcom; Epogen; Avonex; Herceptin; Arrow catheters; MPEG-2; and the Blackberry and Apple iPhones. Economic Impact
Economic Contributions of Columbia and Universities to New York City and State Columbia University is an intellectual community of 40,000 faculty, students, and staff, who work continually to expand our mission of teaching, research, patient care and public service. It is also the seventh largest nongovernmental employer in New York City. Columbia spends approximately $2.4 billion annually (including in excess of $1.25 billion in payroll). Higher education is essential to the intellectual and economic growth of both the City and State of New York, with Columbia widely regarded as one of the leading institutions of higher education in the world. Private colleges, universities and other cultural institutions grew at a rate of more than three times the rate of New York State’s economy, increasing employment by 16% between 1990 and 2005. While industrial employment has been steadily decreasing in New York City, private colleges and universities annually spend $2.1 billion in research in New York State, which has spurred the creation of 10,000 new jobs in the private sector. As the financial and insurance sectors, traditionally so important to New York State, continue to be volatile, the stability of employment and the economic impact provided by higher education assumes an even greater importance. Columbia University, with more than 14,000 employees, accounts for more than 10% of state-wide employment in higher education. A 2006 report prepared by the Center for Government Research (CGR) for the Commission on Independent College and Universities notes that direct spending by New York’s independent colleges and universities within New York City account for approximately $9.1 billion of direct spending and $21.2 billion of the total economic impact. Although some sectors of the economy in both the City and State have declined in recent years (e.g., manufacturing and agriculture), independent colleges and universities have continued to grow, accounting for 139,000 jobs in 2005, half of which are in New York City. Columbia University appreciates the mandate of accountability and transparency of the American Research and Recovery Act and has already taken steps to augment its staff and systems. Located in northern Manhattan, Columbia University Medical Center provides world-class leadership in scientific research, health and medical education, and patient care. With a workforce of more than 9,000 investigators, faculty and staff, CUMC is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York State and is one of the largest in the country. Last year, the faculty of its four schools -- College of Physicians & Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and Mailman School of Public Health -- spent nearly $600 million conducting basic and clinical research with the ultimate goal of discovering new techniques for fighting disease and improving health. Columbia University Medical Center is the second largest employer in the Washington Heights-Inwood community. With a large cadre of highly innovative researchers, CUMC is continually creating new projects and employing new staff. Columbia University Medical Center appreciates the mandate of accountability and transparency of the American Research and Recovery Act. As one of the largest recipients of federal and industry grants in the country, CUMC has the systems and experienced staff to ensure compliance with a wide range of regulatory and other requirements. CAUTION: YOU DO NOT WANT TO OVERSTATE THE JOBS FROM INDIRECT COST RECOVERY OR FACILITIES & ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AS THAT WOULD MEAN YOU WOULD HAVE TO TRACK THEM OR RISK LOSING YOUR FUNDS. IT IS TRUE THAT THE MAJORITY OF ICR SUPPORTS JOBS, BUT WE HAVE NO PRACTICAL WAY TO TRACK IT AS IS REQUIRED BY ARRA. THIS SHOULD BE USED AS A “FROSTING-ON-THE-CAKE” COMMENT ONLY. DO NOT OVEREMPHASIZE F&A JOB CREATION. Moreover, on top of the direct jobs created and retained from this proposal, historically a very substantial portion of Facilities and Administrative Costs support administrative support staff. Incremental funds are a direct source of support for this wage base, either to add positions or avoid reductions that would otherwise be needed in this economic environment. Columbia University was determined last year to be the seventh largest non-governmental employer in New York City. Environmental Impact
[Note: The following may be particularly relevant as we see ARRA RFA’s from the Department of Energy forthcoming.] In 2007, University President Lee C. Bollinger pledged that Columbia University would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions 30% in 10 years. Last year, Columbia University was one of only 15 schools nationwide – and the only New York school – to score the Sustainable Endowments Institute’s highest grade of A- for the University’s overall excellence on sustainability. Columbia University’s approach to meet the energy challenges of the future is to • cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption through renewable energy systems, energy-efficient new buildings, and retrofitting • promote local hiring, job development, and training in “green” construction, design and • lead the way in innovative energy and environmental research and education, communicating Leadership on Climate Change and Energy Research and Education Columbia has long been recognized as a world-renowned research institution in the area of climate, energy and environment. It is here that much of the scientific underpinnings, upon which the climate movement is based, continue to be developed. The University offers 24 environmental degree-granting programs, has an undergraduate sustainable development concentration, and is the home of 22 research centers on energy and the environment, including the Earth Institute, the new Columbia Climate Center and NASA/GISS. Ongoing Campus Sustainability Leadership In addition to the climate and energy planning, the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends to day-to-day activities. • Columbia has registered five buildings in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program. Its first LEED building was recently named “Lab of the Year” by Research and Development magazine. • The proposed Manhattanville campus expansion is in the LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program, recognizing its commitment to a sustainable master plan that promotes sustainable, mixed-use development. Buildings are to meet a minimum LEED Silver standard. • Green – vegetated – roofs have been installed at four campus buildings, with more on the way. These roofs are part of New York City’s first green roof research station that will provide data on the effectiveness of this strategy toward reducing energy demands, urban heat island effect, and storm-water runoff. • A lighting project is methodically replacing inefficient lighting with fluorescent options and timers. • Outdated appliances are replaced with Energy Star appliances. • University buildings on the Morningside campus have been individually metered for electricity as part • “Green” cleaning supplies are the norm at the main campus. Locally-sourced, organic food makes up a significant portion of the undergraduate dining options. • The surplus reuse program makes available furniture and equipment internally and to community not- for-profit organizations, saving over 90 tons from the landfill last year. • Columbia intends to reuse or recycle more than 90 percent of the new campus site's building materials while training and employing local workers. Moreover, the University’s activist traditions have long fostered grass-roots, environmental initiatives amongst the students. Next year a “green”-living student house will kick off. Undergraduate and graduate student environmental groups will unite under the Green Umbrella and take on projects, such as an emissions reduction plan for undergraduates, composting initiatives, and an energy competition amongst undergraduate residence halls. Columbia University students have received numerous awards for post-graduate studies in energy and climate, such as Fulbright scholarships, and they have represented national student organizations at international conferences, such as one held in Bali in 2008. The University administration supports these student efforts actively.

Source: http://evpr.columbia.edu/files/evpr/imce_shared/ARRA_template_material_042409_GC.pdf