UI board approves LASR

POST FALLS - With a nod to how research serves both the state and society, the University of Idaho Board of Regents has approved the university's proposal to establish an applied research entity at UI's research park in Post Falls.

It will be known as the University of Idaho Laboratory of Applied Science and Research, or LASR.

"This is a unique opportunity for the university to not only further our research, but help bolster Idaho's economy by providing new relationships and opportunities previously unavailable to us," said Jack McIver, University of Idaho vice president of research and economic development. "We appreciate the regents' forward-looking vision and their support."

The applied research lab concept is being used at other research institutions around the nation. Idaho's LASR program will foster applied research and transfer technology, and create opportunities for research relationships and projects with the private sector that currently are difficult within the context of the university proper.

"The application of science and research to business and economic development has a proven record of effective success around the nation and will benefit not only the University of Idaho, but businesses and the state," said Duane Nellis, University of Idaho president.

"This is the spirit of entrepreneurism defined, as Idaho's land-grant institution brings its research enterprise to bear on helping business and industry find solutions to issues and problems that can help society advance."

Based on similar facilities across the country, LASR will be a nonprofit entity affiliated with UI, but with a separate independent administration. Its autonomy will allow it the flexibility and freedom to pursue projects and collaborations that are typically very difficult in a university setting.

"Our faculty and students will be at the ground level in new applied research, and they will be working in new jobs created by the entity," said McIver.

The creation and operation of LASR is intended to be financially neutral to the university, meaning LASR will fund its own operations from research grant and contract revenue.

LASR will be a joint effort between UI and the surrounding community. Its separate board of directors will give LASR more flexibility to work with external businesses and the ability to work with the intellectual property of other institutions, which would be nearly impossible otherwise.

In the future, the UI's Center for Advanced Microelectronics and Biomedical Research (CAMBR) at Post Falls, which has produced computer processing chips for NASA space missions during the past decade, could be an important part of LASR, which could mean even more opportunities.

"Being a part of LASR would allow CAMBR many more options and opportunities to conduct different types of research and pursue different kinds of awards," said McIver.

Amanda Cairo is with the University of Idaho.