Power of SUNY

Research Foundation Celebrates 60th Anniversary

On Feb. 15, 2011, the Research Foundation of SUNY marked 60 years of supporting campus research.

The Research Foundation was established in 1951, “to assist in developing and increasing the facilities of State University of New York to provide more extensive educational opportunities for and service to its students, faculty, staff and alumni, and to the people of the State of New York.” Since then, it has become the largest, most comprehensive university-connected research foundation in the country.

In 1951, the Research Foundation signed its first contract: for $32,000 to support research on wood processing and paper-making at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF). Today, the Research Foundation supports more than $1 billion in SUNY research activity annually and is a major player in the development of entrepreneurial activity and economic development across New York State.

“Congratulations to the Research Foundation on reaching this milestone of longevity and success,” said SUNY Chancellor and Research Foundation Board of Directors’ Chair Nancy L. Zimpher. "Innovation is the foundation for the 21st century jobs New York State needs to be the economic leader it must be. The Research Foundation’s role in supporting SUNY in our mission to revitalize the Empire State is more critical than ever. With the RF, we will continue to assemble the assets needed to move New York forward. With the RF and SUNY strategic goals clearly aligned, the Research Foundation serves as a key driver of the economic engine that is SUNY.”