By Paul Tuthill
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Amherst, MA – Massachusetts state legislators are looking into establishing a fund that researchers could tap to apply for matching federal grants. Proponents say it would provide a boost to the state's public university system and create jobs WAMC's Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill reports.
The bill would authorize the administration to borrow up to 100 million dollars to create what's called a " Scientific and Technology Research and Developent Matching Grant Fund" The borrowed money could be used to meet the matching requirements that frequently apply to grants offered by federal agencies and foundations.
The University of Massachusetts is frequently shut out from applying for these grants because it has no means to provide the required matching funds, according to Michael Malone, who is vice chancellor for research and engagement at UMass Amherst.
In the past the university has had to obtain special appropriations from the legislature in order to pursue matching grants, such as when UMass Amherst created a nanotechnology research center with a 16 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation. Malone says several other states provide their public universities the permanent means to go after matching grants.
Since most research dollars are used for personnel, the borrowing program would create jobs, according to its proponents. Grants have become increasing important to the University of Massachusetts, as overall state funding has been cut in recent years, according to UMass Amherst spokesman Ed Blaguszewski.
The matching grant funding proposal was introduced in the legislature back in January by State Representative John Scibak of South Hadley. But he said his original bill was later amended in the Joint Committee on Higher Education. The latest version would direct half the funding be available to UMass, with the other half open to other institutions.
The funds would be controlled by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's John Adams Innovation Institute, which Scibak said would limit the funding to researchers working in science and technology.
The bill to establish the matching grant fund has 14 co-sponsors. It has been through hearings in two legislative committees, and does not appear to face any serious opposition.