At the University of Utah, we know that research is more than a driver of innovation, it is a safeguard for the future. We must protect the role of basic science and the ability to generate new knowledge as something truly special, even as we accelerate discoveries into solutions that serve our state, nation, and world. 

That dual responsibility was at the center of conversations at Utah Energy Week, where I joined leaders from government, national laboratories, and higher education. Together, we underscored how partnerships can transform research into energy security, resilient communities, and new economic opportunity. 

The same theme carried through our recent VPR Town Hall. We shared updates on federal shifts in research funding and policy, but most importantly, we engaged in dialogue with you. Your questions and perspectives help ensure that we are not only navigating change, but also standing firm in protecting the foundation of discovery that makes our work possible. 

Utah’s research history shows how discovery fuels impact, and why we must protect the space for it to flourish. When we honor that legacy, through basic science and translational research, we create the conditions for breakthroughs that drive both knowledge and progress. 

Thank you for the creativity, persistence, and purpose you bring every day. It is your research that keeps Utah at the forefront of discovery, and your engagement that ensures we can translate that strength into lasting impact. 

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research