There are several factors that contributed to the increase in citations. An important one has been the very strong support provided by the administration of Georgia Tech for enhancing research and educational activities in the biological sciences. New and renovated research facilities have been provided as well as the resources needed to competitively recruit new faculty. Current faculty have taken advantage of this opportunity and worked collaboratively to enhance biological sciences on campus. We have been successful recruiting new colleagues whose research is being recognized in their respective fields. In addition, the research accomplishments of some senior faculty have gained recognition during this period, a result of many years of excellent work.

Does this reflect a deliberate plan to enhance the institution’s research effort in this field, or was this an unexpected or serendipitous development?

There was a deliberate effort to enhance the institution's research effort in biosciences and bioengineering. Although this initiative is in some ways just beginning, it is pleasing to realize that the effort has already produced a measurable effect.

In 1993 a faculty group with representatives from biochemistry, bioengineering, and biology recommended establishing an interdisciplinary organization to enhance biorelated activity on campus. There was a strong institutional commitment to this effort. It gave rise to plans for three new buildings for interdisciplinary biorelated research. The first building, housing faculty with interests in biomedical engineering and molecular biology, was completed in 1999. A major renovation of the biology building is underway, and a second new building is now under construction for faculty in environmental science and technology. Funding for the third new building has recently been obtained. The recognition of the central role of biology in the next century has also led to new faculty positions at all levels.

How important is teamwork and collaboration in achieving your goals?

Teamwork is important for establishing a shared vision and an environment in which faculty can reach their highest level of achievement. Collaboration has increased in importance in biological sciences research. It has enabled several of our faculty to advance faster than would have otherwise been possible. The establishment of interdisciplinary facilities is directed toward providing opportunities for collaboration and enhancing the value of individual research efforts.

Do teamwork and collaboration entail significant involvement of your researchers with groups external to your institution?

In some cases it does. Some researchers have active collaborations with scientists in Europe and around the country. Collaborations have also been established with researchers in neighboring institutions.