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House OKs bill asking UConn to produce action plan to pursue top research‑university membership
Summary
The House passed HB 7095 directing the University of Connecticut to develop an action plan to increase its likelihood of invitation to an association of research universities; proponents said the plan would guide state and university steps to grow UConn’s research portfolio.
The Connecticut House passed HB 7095, which requires the University of Connecticut to produce an action plan aimed at strengthening its research portfolio and increasing its likelihood of joining a national association of research universities, such as the Association of American Universities.
Representative Haddad described the measure as “a small but important piece of legislation” designed to help the university identify steps that could increase federal research funding and institutional reputation; he noted UConn’s research portfolio is “a little bit over $300,000,000 now.” Haddad said an institutional plan could also signal legislative and executive-branch support and help target policies and investments.
Members asked how membership might affect athletics and other ancillary benefits; Haddad said membership confers access to federal research networks and can help institutions secure more grant funding. Several colleagues spoke in support; the House accepted the committee’s favorable report and passed the bill on a roll call (transcript: total voting 145; ayes 145; nays 0; absentees 6).
