On Monday, OU announced Project 200, an initiative to recruit 200 of the nation’s leading researchers to OU over the next five years.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said Project 200 is the largest hiring initiative in the country for research talent.
“Project 200 is the most ambitious research faculty recruitment effort in the history of our state. It is finding 200 world-class faculty across our nation and world to bring to Oklahoma, to lift us up in those four areas, so we create the future that our state deserves,” Harroz said.
A press release states Project 200 is a cornerstone of the “Lead On, University” strategic plan.
Harroz said within the last few years, OU has seen its fastest growth in 50 years.
“Six years in (to the strategic plan), at this point of the announcement, where do we stand? Because of all of this hard work, (OU is) the fastest growing research university at any university of this state’s history,” Harroz said.
According to Harroz, this growth includes a 70% increase in the university’s research enterprise as a whole, which he predicts will continue to increase.
“We’ll allow ourselves, over the next five years, to go from what was $300 million a year in research to $500 million where we’re at right now … to a billion dollars in research funding, … which will change the future of our state,” Harroz said.
Gov. Kevin Stitt said reaching $1 billion in research funding would change the economic landscape of Oklahoma.
“We need to work with our industries and figure out what are the jobs they need, and then let’s align that,” Stitt said. “When we get the right work force, guess what? All the companies are going to continue to flow here because they know that Oklahoma’s the right place and that we’ve got the talent. … I’m just excited to help us recruit those 200 and hit that billion dollar number.”
According to its website, Project 200 seeks to address Oklahoma’s high levels of chronic disease and health disparities.
Harroz said 150 of the 200 faculty will be in the health space.
“Just a few of the goals that we have are stunning. Just look at the health side,” Harroz said. “We’re going to attack these diseased states, and we’re going to improve our economy and allow us to live the life that Oklahomans deserve.”
College of Medicine Dean Dr. Ian Dunn said Project 200 will lift the health of Oklahoma.
“We can be bold, but also be honest about where we are today, which is not where we want to be,” Dunn said.
Dunn said the college is hiring faculty, expanding lab capacity and finding ways to create a connection between engineering and data science.
“While we’re innovating, we’re also expanding the workforce. For the third straight year, we’re welcoming the largest classes in history for the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and the School of Community Medicine in Tulsa,” Dunn said.
Matt Hulver, OU vice president for research and partnerships, said the university has to measure itself in terms of how the work it does changes lives across the state and country.
“Research that changes lives, in my mind, is the new bar that we’re setting. It’s not just getting the bread dollars, it’s getting resources,” Hulver said.
According to a press release, the project focuses on four strategic areas of research: health, extreme weather, national security and defense, and secure and resilient energy.
“No other state in the country is poised to lead in all four of these areas. Oklahoma is,” Hulver said. “It’s going to be great for the University of Oklahoma, but I would dare say it’s going to be even greater for the state.”
This story was edited by Audrey McClour.
