While it is sometimes difficult to quantify the value added by research and development efforts at a large and diverse institution, the productivity and high rate of return from UAH's research can be measured, in part, by the large number of agencies and companies which continue to turn to UAH for meaningful, cost effective R&D.

The special emphasis of this report is information technology, and UAH's contributions to that vital part of our economy. UAH is uniquely positioned to contribute to new and innovative technologies using computer science and engineering. One of the remarkable aspects of UAH's contributions in this field is the scope of the projects in which the university's research faculty and staff are participating.

In addition to very substantial contributions in developing and refining computer applications for such fields as atmospheric science and information management, UAH's scientists are also making noteworthy contributions in neural networks, optical computing, computerized medical imaging, and computerized numeric modeling of a dizzying variety of physical phenomena.

Through its strategic partnerships with local, state and federal agencies, and with dozens of private corporations, UAH is applying its research expertise to specific challenges and opportunities. Through our extraordinarily successful technology transfer programs, UAH is making that new knowledge available to others in the business community, to help them preserve existing jobs and create opportunities for economic growth.

UAH is committed to using its productivity in research and development to help maintain Huntsville as a primary center for science and technology in the Southeast.

UAH also uses the unique opportunities created by our research programs to enhance our academic programs across the campus, in science, engineering, liberal arts, business and health sciences.

I appreciate this opportunity to share this sampling of our research activities with you. We look forward to working with you in our mutual quest for a strong economic future for our nation.

Frank A. Franz

President