Holbrook named to Research!America board

COLUMBUS - Karen A. Holbrook, president of The Ohio State University, has been elected to the Board of Directors of Research!America, one of the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy organizations.

Based in Alexandria, Va., the organization works to make medical and health a higher national priority.

“Dr. Holbrook is joining our Board at a time when advocacy for medical and health research could not be more critical,” said Research!America's board chair, The Honorable John Edward Porter. “We look forward to her counsel and wisdom as we strive to make medical and health research a higher national priority.”

Holbrook became Ohio State's 13th president in October 2002. She has made cutting-edge research a priority and an integral part of the educational process at all levels, and today, Ohio State ranks ninth among public universities for research expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation.

Under Holbrook's direction, the university has made substantial and measurable progress toward fulfilling the goals of its strategic plan, this year admitting its best- prepared freshman class for the 11th year in a row. To enhance Ohio State's role in the community and furthur strong collaborations, she has presided over the creation of numerous strategic partnerships, including one with Battelle for research and other entities to encourage and support high-tech entrepreneurship.

Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles and participated extensively in the activities of professional and honorary societies, including the American Academy for the Advancement of Science, where she is a member of the board of directors and Fellow; the American Association of Universities; the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges; and the Association of American Medical Colleges. She is on the Board of Directors of ACT, the American Council on Education, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and the National Council for Science and the environment. She is involved in national and regional efforts to strengthen graduate education in America and has been active in economic development partnerships at the community and state levels.

Research!America was founded in 1989 and is supported by more than 500 member organizations that together represent 125 million Americans. A leader in the movement for strong, increased public and private investment in the nation's research enterprise, its advocacy programs, public opinion polling and publications help to advance key messages about medical and health research.