Letter from the Vice President

We are pleased to welcome you to the premier issue of Explore: Research at the University of Florida. In the past 10 years the University of Florida has emerged as one of America's premier research universities. The completion of the 1994-95 fiscal year marked a milestone in our research effort with the achievement of $200 million in external funding for research. In addition, the University of Florida ranks consistently among the top 10 U.S. institutions in patent and license activity, highlighting our commitment to transferring the technology we develop to the marketplace where it can benefit the most people. While we are proud of these achievements, we are not content. Our faculty are constantly looking for new partners and opportunities to advance their research and leverage their resources toward greater accomplishment.

In an era when opportunity and technology are moving forward at a remarkably rapid pace, the University of Florida is seizing this momentum to contribute solutions to problems that face society and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Florida. The research we do plays a significant role in sustaining the economic competitiveness of the state and the nation. It helps Florida retain and attract new businesses. But this is also an era when funding for research from the federal government is tightening and competition is fierce. We must be at the forefront in our disciplines, and our research must continue to be of the highest quality if we are to improve on our current success. We also recognize that we need to continue to diversify our partnerships in sponsored research beyond the federal and state governments; be innovative in establishing programs and collaborations outside the university; be fiscally and ethically responsible in the conduct of research; and keep our research and education missions intertwined. Our students -- undergraduate, graduate and professional -- play a vital role in our research mission. As they learn in the research environment, they also contribute their skills and talents to process of discovery.

We have selected stories that feature some of the most exciting research programs at the University of Florida. They also illustrate that research, technology and graduate education are inseparable. This issue shows that the boundaries between colleges and departments are receding as our faculty join together to focus their wide range of expertise on the complex problems that face society. Specific articles in this issue illustrate how these interdisciplinary collaborations extend beyond our campus to the private, corporate sector ("Sense of Community"), and to other universities around the world ("Extracts"). Our "inventions" -- the products of our research -- when commercialized, directly benefit the public ("Eye Can See Clearly," "Exchange") and our research is vital to the economic and social quality of life in our state ("Eroding Confidence," "Battle of the Bugs"). Our stories also include elements of very basic research which is unique to universities, leading to new knowledge that creates future products and jobs.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Explore. We invite you to share your comments with us and to pass your copy to others who would like to learn more about research at the University of Florida. There is no more important time than now to involve you in the research activities of the faculty, students and staff at the University of Florida.

Sincerely,

Karen A. Holbrook
Vice President and Dean
Office of Research, Technology and Graduate Education

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Explore: Research at the University of Florida is published each March and September by the Office of Research, Technology & Graduate Education at the University of Florida. The magazine seeks to inform readers about the economic and social benefits of the more than $200 million in research being conducted by UF faculty and students annually and to promote a greater understanding of the connection between research, technology and graduate education. For more information about the research program, contact Vice President for Research Karen A. Holbrook, Ph.D., 223 Grinter Hall, Box 115500, Gainesville, FL 32611-5500, (Phone: 352/392-1582). For details about research highlighted in this issue, contact the editor or the researchers directly. The publication of Explore is not financed by state-appropriated funds. Opinions expressed do not reflect the official views of the university. Use of trade names implies no endorsement by the University of Florida. (c) 1996 University of Florida. For permission to reprint any part of this magazine, contact the Editor, Explore magazine, Box 115500, Gainesville, FL 32611-5500 (Phone: 352/392-1582). e-mail: explore@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu Visit the Explore homepage on the World Wide Web: http://research.ufl.edu/explore/ Editor: Joseph M. Kays Design: UF News & Public Affairs

Extracts Research Briefs Battle of the Bugs In the battle of the bug, the University of Florida is allying its high-tech resources with mother nature to control unwanted pests. After half a century of relying almost exclusively on chemicals to combat agricultural and household pests, UF scientists now try to exploit natural enemies to do the job. A Sense of Community Through the University of Florida's state-of-the-art Sid Martin Biotechnology Development Institute, university and community leaders hope to cultivate a "community" of environmentally clean biotech companies that will spur economic development in the region. Exchange Technology Transfer Eroding Confidence Hurricanes Allison, Erin and Opal devastated the snowy white beaches that makes the Florida Panhandle a tourist mecca. UF coastal engineers assess the damage and search for ways to minimize destruction from the inevitable next storm. Balancing the Equation In all areas of academia, women are assuming prominent research roles. Their opinions and perspectives -- and their unique physiology -- have become increasingly valuable as scholars of both sexes strive to make their work more reflective of society. Retailing Revolution Through its Center for Retailing Education and Research, the University of Florida studies the dramatic changes occurring in the $2 trillion-a-year retailing business. Eye Can See Clearly Despite the fact that it is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, glaucoma remains a mystery. It ambushes people in early middle age and begins to destroy their retina and optic nerve. But a host of researchers at the University of Florida are working to better treat, diagnose and possibly even prevent glaucoma. Excerpts New Books About the Cover Detail from a ceramic sculpture by Miami Beach-based artist Carlos Alves that hangs in the lobby of the university's Sid Martin Biotechnology Development Institute. The sculpture is based on representations of DNA by fifth-graders at Alachua Elementary School. Expresstions Cover photo by Gene Bednarek