UM researchers display projects in D.C.

WASHINGTON – Representatives from the University of Maine converged on the nation’s capitol Tuesday to put on a technology forum and seek more funding for its high-tech projects.

For the past seven years, the Maine congressional delegation has sponsored a luncheon that allows the university to showcase its research projects.

“It has become sort of a tradition,” said Peter Hoff, the university’s president.

“We just want to show that our university does some things well or better than any other place in the world,” he said. “It’s about awareness building.”

All four members of the Maine congressional delegation were at the Tuesday lunch and spoke to about 100 researchers, staffers and representatives of government agencies who attended.

A dozen exhibits highlighted university research projects, including several that focused on homeland security.

“Our state has the opportunity to be a real leader,” said Sen. Susan Collins. “We have plenty of homeland security challenges. There are a lot of good ideas percolating, and the university plays an eager role in that.”

George Markowsky, a professor of computer science and a homeland security researcher at the university, said Congress is concerned about the nation’s security, but more attention should be focused on prevention and research.

“It’s only after the horse escapes that everyone’s so concerned about closing the barn doors,” he said.

Research also takes money, said Marie-Christine Therrien, a business professor at the university. “Prevention pays off better, but they [Congress] prefer cleanup,” she said.

Ten years ago, the university had nowhere to go but up in terms of acquiring research dollars. In 1997, it ranked 51st in state college research capabilities behind Puerto Rico, according to Rep. Tom Allen. Since then, the university has more than tripled its research funds, thanks in large part to the annual Washington networking event, Hoff said.

The research work also is helping Maine’s troubled economy.

“We know that [research and development are] key to creating industries that can provide higher-paying jobs right here at home,” said Sen. Olympia Snowe.

“Some say the economy is getting better. That might be true in other parts of the country, but not in Maine,” said Rep. Mike Michaud, who sponsored this year’s event. “This research could move the state forward and create jobs.”

The university’s research is “only the tip of an even larger iceberg,” Hoff said. “This event is just a small slice of the research going on in Maine.”