March 7, 2025
Advancing research at K-State: President Linton Next-Gen K-State monthly update
Dear K-State community,
It's time for us to make alfalfa soup.
Recently, Interim Vice President for Research Hans Coetzee shared a powerful memory from his veterinary training that embodies the essence of innovative problem-solving.
During his equine services rotation, Hans encountered a devastating scenario: a group of horses struggling with a disease that compromised their ability to swallow and eat. Faced with this challenging situation, his team developed an ingenious solution — alfalfa soup. It was a simple yet brilliant approach that transformed a seemingly insurmountable problem into a path forward.
This story captures the heart of resilience, something Kansans are especially good at, as our state motto echoes. It isn't just words; it's a living philosophy that drives creative thinking, problem-solving and, ultimately, innovation.
In our research enterprise, our faculty are the true innovators. They are the embodiment of this spirit — undaunted by challenges, committed to finding solutions and continuously working to push the boundaries of knowledge and discovery.
Though the current landscape may be tough, our talented researchers are already charting the course for K-State's continued research excellence.
Our next-generation research vision
We are not just adapting to change; we are designing our future. Our ambitious Next-Gen K-State goals are clear: to grow research expenditures to $300 million annually and expand sponsored programs and awards to $270 million annually.
The Office of the Vice President for Research is reimagining our approach by streamlining complex research processes, eliminating institutional barriers and providing comprehensive support for faculty success.
We're already seeing incredible momentum from our approach. Extramural awards are soaring — nearly 78% higher than the three-year average for this period — putting us on track for another record-breaking year. Faculty-initiated awards are also making remarkable strides, already surpassing 75% of last fiscal year's total. Kudos to our dedicated faculty and research staff for their hard work and commitment in driving these impressive gains!
Through exceptional research, we cultivate national leadership defined by efficiency, integrity and global impact.
Strategic investments in research excellence
In the past year, we've made strategic moves to bolster our research ecosystem, including completing five targeted faculty hires through the Biomanufacturing Training and Education Initiative and committing to seven additional strategic positions by fall 2025 through a comprehensive request for proposal process.
We're expanding research potential through two groundbreaking initiatives: the Design, Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, or DASH, Awards, an annual opportunity for faculty to receive one-time, one-year awards supporting research, scholarly work and creative activities, and core research facility support, which includes funding for facility renovations and equipment, mini-grants for pilot projects, and support for vivarium costs.
Championing faculty potential
Our commitment extends beyond funding. We're cultivating a culture of recognition and collaboration. The Roots of Research Faculty Honor Program celebrates research excellence. New Faculty Features in the Research Weekly e-newsletter highlight the outstanding achievements across disciplines, and the innovative Posters, Pinot and Partnerships event series fosters interdisciplinary connections.
These initiatives are more than programs — they are our promise to nurture, support and amplify the transformative work of our extraordinary faculty.
Our resolve remains unshakable as we stand at the intersection of challenge and opportunity. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, drive innovation and create meaningful impact.
Let's make some alfalfa soup.
As always, Go 'Cats!
Richard Linton
President
Kansas State University