This issue of the Physics and Astronomy newsletter shows that the Department continues to be focused on the main activities that have always characterized the School of Physical Sciences -- teaching and research. There are also some changes underway, and this newsletter itself is evidence.
The School of Physical Sciences is home to some of UCI's most talented faculty, for example, UCI's only two Nobel Laureates. We have highly experienced and respected senior faculty and enterprising younger faculty conducting research that is first-rate. In addition, our faculty do a superb job of educating our students in the classroom and through research projects. Our very bright students are highly sought after by industry and graduate programs -- testimony to the quality of the education offered by the School of Physical Sciences.
While universities have not changed as much as most businesses have in recent years, some large changes have occurred. On the positive side, the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physics to Professor Fred Reines has put UCI on some important maps, and overnight it increased the value of a UCI degree. Other trends are less pleasing, for example, enrollments in physics majors are down nationwide and at UCI, as is state support for our work. Currently UCI receives only about 25% of its budget from the state. In addition, federal dollars for research are shrinking, although the demand for those resources is not.
To address the decreasing interest in physics, we are re-examining our curriculum, as Chair Lawrence's article describes. Two other activities deserve mention. One that exemplifies the innovative spirit of our faculty is a new Chemical and Materials Physics graduate curriculum that the faculty of the Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Chemistry are creating. The proposed curriculum is being designed to provide a broad education in applied physics and chemistry to better prepare students for careers in industry. This program presents us with an excellent opportunity to invite local industry to collaborate with our faculty on curriculum issues, internship opportunities, research projects and student recruitment. As a result of this collaboration, we will better know how to educate students to meet industrial needs while benefiting from industrial perspective, expertise and resources. I applaud the faculty involved with this program for addressing a critical need and recognizing the importance of input from local industry.
Secondly, we have launched a fundraising development effort that is vital to the long-term growth and well-being of the school. For the first time in our history, we have established a development office, directed by Suzanne McLaughlin. Suzanne joined Physical Sciences in April after a five-year tenure with UCI's annual giving programs, most recently serving as director.
The role of the development office is to increase awareness and support of the school's research and teaching through community outreach, communications and fundraising activities. For example, Suzanne will be facilitating programs to involve local industry with the school. The opportunities to benefit from collaborations with local industry are tremendous. She will also help attract financial support from private sources -- individuals, corporations and private foundations -- which have become increasingly important to the long-term welfare of the school. In all of her activities, she will work with our faculty, all of whom are competitive and innovative, attributes that contribute greatly to our ability to succeed in the development arena. Increasingly, private support will make an important difference to our ability to fund programs that will help us maintain a competitive edge. Graduate fellowships, undergraduate scholarships, laboratory equipment, instructional technology and support for seminar programs are all areas we will work to enhance with private support.
One of our greatest potential sources of support is, of course, our alumni. Our alumni know first hand the benefits of a UCI education. Many have already shown their support, for example, by making gifts through the Annual Fund or responding to a recent survey from the physics department which provided faculty with invaluable information. I encourage alumni to continue to support the department in these and many other ways. In addition, alumni may be helpful in building bridges to the companies they work for -- many of which may be able to assist the department and the school in an advisory capacity, hire our graduates, engage in research collaborations or provide financial support for our students or equipment and instructional technology needs. I hope our alumni will welcome a request for a visit to talk about these opportunities should Suzanne or one of our faculty call. I am certain our alumni will play an important role in our long-term success.
I look forward to keeping you informed of our progress. I welcome your questions, input and, most importantly, your involvement.