VP Message

With a visionary leadership, an accomplished and experienced leadership team, and a location that is second-to-none, the University of Houston continues to reach higher levels of excellence in learning, discovery and engagement with its community. The more I learn about UH as the incoming vice president/vice chancellor for research and technology transfer, the more I am both impressed and energized to work tirelessly with my colleagues to realize the full potential of a young and vibrant university located in the fastest growing city in the United States and the 25th largest economy in the world.

Our city is poised to lead the nation in advanced conventional and alternative energy, in health and biotechnology, and in manufacturing and data science applications. UH has the intellectual depth, interdisciplinary breadth and the ambition to partner with the City of Houston on all fronts, and enhance the quality of life for society, not only in Houston and Texas, but also nationwide and abroad.

As an urban university, we equally value our community service role. UH has taken on supporting the neighboring underserved groups through the transfer of knowledge and wellness services to the most vulnerable communities in our region. We have partnered with community organizations, churches and schools to provide much-needed clinical support in areas such as Houston’s Third Ward and East End. UH also provides art, architectural renovation, social, psychological and legal services to communities in need. We embrace the highest technology research and development with the same enthusiasm as the most fundamental need-based support of our communities. This is the uniqueness that defines UH as a leading hub of intellect and humanity.

This issue of Research and Innovation captures the dual and complementary role that our leading research-intensive urban university fulfills. We explore in this issue how urban universities like UH can be a partner in shaping community health and wellness. We also showcase UH’s role in building, expanding and maintaining Houston’s innovation ecosystem. We have added new sections to engage our broad audience of staff, faculty, students, alumni, friends, partners and the U.S. research community in a dialogue aimed at enhancing our understanding of the complex research enterprise, and emerging trends in research and development management.

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Research and Innovation, and I look forward to your feedback on its content and presentation.

Amr Elnashai, FREng

Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology Transfer, University of Houston System
Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, University of Houston