By Xoel Cardenas, Sr. Communications Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the L.S. Skaggs Applied Science Building, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox delivered more than just celebratory remarks, he issued a call to action. “This building represents Utah’s bold investment in the future,” Cox said, “a future driven by research, technology, and the next generation of thinkers and doers.”

For Cox, the event wasn’t simply about new labs or lecture halls, it was about reaffirming Utah’s commitment to discovery, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that benefits all. 

“It’s an interesting time for higher education,” Cox said. “It’s an interesting time for science and technology research in our country. And I want to just make it clear that the state of Utah is doubling down on research, doubling down on science. I probably shouldn’t use gambling terms, but we are. We care deeply about what happens here.” 

Speaking to an audience of researchers, donors, students, and state leaders, Gov. Cox praised the U’s growing leadership in science and innovation and emphasized the essential role of research in improving lives, fueling the economy and solving global challenges. 

The L.S. Skaggs Applied Science Building will support research in climate prediction, clean air, and semiconductor technologies. But for Cox, its significance runs deeper: it symbolizes Utah’s broader commitment to impact, locally and globally. 

“At a time when the federal government is cutting back on funding for scientific initiatives, which I think is a mistake, Utah is saying the exact opposite, that we can do both of those things,” Cox said. “We can be fiscally responsible and we can invest. In fact, it is fiscal responsibility that requires us to invest in the future. Otherwise, all of those good things that we enjoy today will be gone. We have to invest in the next generations.” 

Cox highlighted the University of Utah’s culture of collaboration, across disciplines, public and private sectors, and communities and pointed to research as the engine of long-term prosperity. Cox went on and said the students and faculty who walk the halls of the new L.S. Skaggs Applied Science Building will challenge assumptions, pursue breakthroughs and tackle the big questions of our time. 

“When we invest in science, we invest in people,” he said. “Students who will become researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and faculty whose work will shape lives in policy and in the innovations that will drive our economy and improve our world.” 

Among those the governor recognized for their work in continuing to advocate for research was U of U President Taylor Randall, who he called a dear friend, while also recognizing his leadership and national reputation.  

“I will just tell you, as I’ve traveled the country, I’ve met with most of the academic leaders in this country at the highest level,” Cox said. “I will tell you that we have the best university president anywhere in the United States right now, right here at the University of Utah.” 

The governor closed with a call for renewed curiosity and a science-minded approach to today’s most pressing challenges. “We need to all be thinking more like scientists,” he said. “We need to be curious about the world around us, about the people around us, and about how to solve the biggest problems of the day.” 

And the impact, he said, will reach far beyond Utah’s borders. 

 “We’re not just solving Utah’s problems anymore. We’re solving the world’s problems, and we’re doing it right here.”

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