Exploration, discovery, knowledge creation, and research are at the heart of every great university. At Northeastern, faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students conduct a wide range of innovative research that makes a difference around the world. This is one of the reasons we are a vibrant academic institution. We are fulfilling a key element of our mission—“to create and translate knowledge to meet global and societal needs.”

Our external-grant data demonstrate our expanding influence. Between 2006 and 2009, the number of submissions for funding increased by almost 70 percent; the number of active projects rose by almost 25 percent, and actual funding grew by more than 50 percent. We are on track to secure $100 million in external research funding within three years.

A look beyond the numbers reveals our impact. Our work encompasses diverse fields, affecting everything from drug discovery to public policy, national security to nutrition, urban engagement to clean water in distant lands. Faculty members create a better future while understanding the past, offering valuable insights into the architecture of Rome, the recent conflict in Chechnya and the role of the presidency in American history.

Many of you attended the recent event in honor of faculty publications. I look forward to two upcoming events: the Research and Scholarship Exposition on March 24, and the Klein Lecture on April 8.

This year, more than 300 research projects, an all-time high, will be on display at the Expo. It is exciting that lead researchers include faculty members, graduate students and undergraduate students. The event is an important opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the breadth and depth of our research and its impact on society.

The Klein Lecture honors a faculty member for scholarly achievement and creative classroom activity. This year, Gloria Barczak, professor and chair of the College of Business Administration’s marketing group, will deliver a lecture entitled “Innovation in the 21st Century.”

I encourage the community to participate in these events—they are at the heart of all we do.