Research that could make the Carolinas a major player in the information-technology realm - or maybe just help drivers safely navigate when lost - helped push Clemson University past the $100 million research mark. Clemson attracted $103.4 million in competitive research grants in this past fiscal year, eclipsing the previous total of $92.9 million.

"We exceeded President Barker's goal seven years early," said Chris Przirembel, Clemson's vice president for research. Barker had set a goal of reaching $100 million within a decade of his taking office in 1999.

The $103.4 million figure includes research sponsored during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002. The sponsored research doesn't include state or federal appropriations, but only counts competitively-awarded grants, which have skyrocketed over the past few years as Clemson strengthens its research infrastructure.

Over the past three years, in fact, the College of Engineering and Science has experienced unprecedented success in the area of research awards. "We've seen a 92% increase, states Tom Keinath, dean of the college. "This performance is representative of the visionary faculty and dedicated staff in the College of Engineering and Science." The college's 245 faculty members garnered nearly $54 million in research grants this past year, accounting for more than half of the university's record-breaking $103.4 million.

Strong research programs also help Clemson attract outstanding undergraduate and graduate students, which further enhances the quality and scope of the university's research efforts and its education mission.

"Research can be better measured, not in dollars, but in the impact it has on people's lives," said Przirembel. "Clemson researchers do work that will affect lives and livelihoods of all Americans."