Oklahoma State University’s research has always had its foundation in addressing societal needs. OSU is labeling these areas as its Tier 1 Research Initiatives, to emphasize that the efforts represent Timely, Impactful, Engaged Research (TIER).
“OSU’s research has always reflected our land-grant mission to serve society,” said President Burns Hargis. “Our Tier 1 Research Initiatives represent a commitment to Oklahoma that we intend to use our research strengths to make a major difference in areas of vital importance to our world.”
OSU Vice President for Research Dr. Kenneth Sewell considers the Tier 1 Research Initiatives cornerstones of the university’s overall research enterprise.
“We have amazing researchers all across the spectrum of academic departments and disciplines at OSU,” Sewell said. “That’s why OSU is among the nation’s top tier of research universities, according to the Carnegie classifications. But our Tier 1 Research Initiatives take our public mission to a higher level by coordinating across disciplines to tackle some of society’s challenges head-on.”
The four Tier 1 research initiatives are:
- The Drone Initiative: Drones Serving Our Safety and Environment
- The Opioid Initiative: The Research Arm of the Center for Wellness and Recovery
- The Microbiome Initiative: Connecting the Microbiome to Health
- The Rural Initiative: Ensuring the Future of Rural Oklahoma