This issue of the Gateway to Research and Inventions comes at a very exciting time in the history of the University of Minnesota. In March the Board of Regents approved the University's Strategic Positioning Report, setting the stage for the University to embark on a course to become "one of the top three public research universities in the world." Realization of this ambitious aspiration will require dedication, strategic decision-making, and wholesale commitment to the objective. There is no doubt that the University has the talented, creative, and innovative faculty, staff, and students to meet the challenge. It is more critical now than ever in these times of tight research budgets for the University to enhance the nationally competitive position of its faculty, staff, and students by proactively creating and supporting a vital research environment.

In this edition of the Gateway we highlight some exciting examples of how the University's research efforts have an impact on the lives of all Minnesotans, as well as people around the world. Imran Hayee's (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duluth) research on increasing bandwidth in optical fiber communication networks and Nora Paul's (School of Journalism) studies of improved methods of disseminating information electronically will impact millions through the ever-expanding use of the Web and other electronic media. The nationally-recognized work conducted by Linda Halcón (School of Nursing) and Jeffrey Edleson (School of Social Work) has aided victims of violence, abuse, and trauma from the Twin Cities to troubled areas around the globe. School kids will be taught by better-prepared science teachers thanks to the creative efforts of Gillian Roehrig of the College of Education and Human Development. And discussion of possible improvements to the national healthcare system will be aided by completion of the first academic study of consumer-driven health plans being conducted by Stephen Parente of the Carlson School of Management.

This edition also showcases several other examples of University faculty and students doing exciting and important work. I invite you to read more about these very important projects and the creative people responsible for them. These people are truly representative of the incredible intellectual resources available at the University of Minnesota; resources that put us well on our way toward realization of our strategic goal.

R. Timothy Mulcahy
Vice President for Research