Introduction and History
During Pat Roberts’ service to the state, he has seen the Kansas economy transform from an agriculture and energy based economy to one that is more diverse and more reliant on technological innovation. At the same time, many rural communities have struggled to retain the state’s best and brightest young people. Increasingly, Kansas’ students acquire a first rate education and after graduation often choose to live in other more populous parts of the country where hi-tech and better paying job opportunities are sometimes more readily available.
When Pat Roberts joined the Senate in 1997, he undertook a long-term project to reverse this trend by focusing on technological innovation and embracing Kansas’ historical economic strengths in an effort to increase the quality and number of job opportunities available to Kansans. With that in mind, he asked leading Kansas experts from business and industry, military and government and academia to join together in an effort to promote technology growth in the state. The result - The Roberts’ Advisory Committee on Science Technology and the Future.
Since 1997 the Roberts’ Advisory Committee has met on a regular basis forming eight different task forces who provide specific recommendations to the Senator. Please refer to the links below and accompanying information that explains the make-up of each task force, the Committee’s important accomplishments and ongoing efforts to bring hi-tech employment opportunities to Kansas.
ACHIEVEMENTS
RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
Senator Roberts and his Advisory Committee have been a driving force and key leaders in the effort to increase Kansas’ ability to compete for valuable federal scientific research dollars and the economic development opportunities associated with these efforts.
In January 2001 - The Kansas Legislature took a small, but very significant step by starting serious discussions about providing bonding authority for research infrastructure improvements. Senator Roberts was one of several individuals to testify before a joint meeting of House and Senate committees. At that hearing, he pointed out what other states were doing to stimulate their economies through science and technology investments. Later in 2002, following an unprecedented research day for the Kansas Legislature at Kansas State University, the Kansas Legislature approved a $120 million bonding measure that was utilized in constructing the Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI) at Kansas State University and the Biomedical Research Center on the KU Medical Center Campus along with aviation research at Wichita State.
In October 2006, KSU dedicated Pat Roberts Hall, which is the home to the BRI. The BRI is a world-class biosafety level 3 facility providing KSU faculty and researchers a platform to conduct food safety and security efforts. The BRI is the front line of our nation’s defense against agroterrorism. Through his work in Washington, D.C. Senator Roberts was able to identify $7.4 million in 2005 and $3.6 million in 2004 of federal funds for research at this facility.
In January 2007 - Senator Roberts helped dedicate the state-of-the-art 205,000-square-foot Biomedical Research Center on the KU Medical Center Campus in Kansas City, Kansas. About 55 researchers initially will share the building, with several floors dedicated to specific areas of research, including liver disease, reproductive sciences, neuroscience and proteomics. Dr. Barbra Atkinson, Vice-Chancellor, KU Medical Center, acknowledged Senator Roberts unique leadership role in earning public support for this effort.
Senator Roberts has been successful at supporting other research efforts at the University of Kansas as well. In 2001 he identified $1.8 million in federal investment for the Hougland Brain Imaging Center at the KU Medical School. In 2004 he identified $2.4 million for bioinformatics research on bioterrism pathogens and an additional $500,000 for the purpose of purchasing life sciences research equipment - all at the University of Kansas.
The National Institutes for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University serves as a vital resource and magnet to the large concentration of aerospace and aviation industry jobs in Kansas . NIAR has also benefitted from the effort to increase research infrastructure in Kansas. The state has dramatically increased its commitment to NIAR in recent years, and in 2005 Senator Roberts was able to identify $7.3 million of federal research investment that will help anchor the aviation industry to Wichita for years to come.
Senator Roberts has also been a champion for increased funding of the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health winning praise and awards from many leading scientific organizations. The Senator’s, and his Advisory Committee’s, vision is to focus investment on scientific advancement in our state in hopes of achieving scientific breakthroughs that improve the quality of life for all citizens of the world, while increasing economic opportunities for hard-working Kansans.
MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION
Senator Roberts is a strong advocate of encouraging more students to pursue studies in math, science and technology. Science and mathematics competency is increasingly essential to this country due to the growing demands of the global economy and for national security. If Kansas and America expects to further develop a hi-tech economy, a workforce skilled in math and science will be mandatory.
Senator Roberts’ Advisory Committee serves as a platform to address this important economic and security objective. Not only does Senator Roberts personally encourage students focus on math and science as they prepare for college and the job market, but Senator Roberts has worked for increased investment in science and math education.
In 2005, Senator Roberts introduced bipartisan legislation, The 21st Century Federal Pell Grant Plus Act, which doubles the monetary amount for undergraduate students who pursue fields of study in math, science, or engineering - for those programs which are deemed critical to U.S. economic, national, and homeland security. Roberts also worked to develop the SMART Grant program that provides $4,000 in grant aid for undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds who major in math, science, engineering, or technology field. President Bush signed this program into law in early 2006.
THE KANSAS TECHONOLOGY CORRIDOR
One of the outgrowths of the Roberts’ Advisory Committee on Science Technology and the Future is the idea that our institutes of higher education and federal military installations can serve as engines for economic growth sparking higher paying and better quality job opportunities. When looking at a map of Kansas and pinpointing the vital resources already in the Kansas Technology Corridor, it’s easy to see the potential for hi-tech economic growth if pursued correctly and collaboratively is tremendous.
The Kansas Technology Corridor is anchored by the exciting and evolving developments at growing Ft. Riley and Kansas State University on the west and the KU Medical Center, Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Johnson County Community College on the east. The Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, assets in Topeka and other Kansas towns will play a vital role in this effort as well, but perhaps no institution is better situated than the University of Kansas in Lawrence to play a leading and central role in the effort to grow the Kansas economy through scientific innovation.
One of the tangible achievements of the Roberts’ Advisory Committee is that these institutions are increasingly working together in partnership in pursuit of common objectives. These new partnerships often require researchers, workers and administrators to travel on a daily basis between these institutions. With that and public safety in mind, Senator Roberts has been a tireless advocate for an efficient highway transportation system in Kansas.
More specifically, in 2005 Senator Roberts announced the he secured $1.5 million in a federal Transportation appropriations bill to begin construction of the eastern portion of the South Lawrence Trafficway (Kansas Highway 10) on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ approved 32nd Street route. Senator Roberts has urged federal and state transportation officials to get this important economic development and public safety project moving as soon as possible.
This urgent need for an efficient transportation system throughout the Kansas Technology corridor has become more apparent with two exciting recent announcements. In 2006 Kansas State University, the City of Olathe and the Kansas Bioscience Authority announced that they will partner in development of a research park and campus near the junction of K-7 and K-10 Highways. Also, in 2006, Senator Roberts jump-started the state’s effort to win location of the National Bio-Agriculture and Defense Facility (NBAF) in the Kansas Technology Corridor.
NATIONAL BIO-AGRICULTURE AND DEFENSE FACILITY (NBAF) -
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently working to identify the site for a National Biological and Agro- defense Facility (NBAF) to replace the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center. The new facility will serve as an essential component in the national strategy for protecting U.S. agriculture from a bio-terrorist attack involving the intentional introduction of foreign animal diseases.
Upon announcement of the selection process in March 2006, 29 interested sites in 20 states submitted formal "expressions of interest" to DHS. In August 2006, DHS reduced the list to 18 sites in 14 states- including Kansas sites in the Leavenworth and Manhattan communities.
From the beginning, Senator Pat Roberts took great interest in the possibility of locating NBAF in Kansas. Immediately upon announcement of a site selection process, Senator Roberts and his staff began outreach to DHS regarding the merits of choosing a Kansas site. As part of these efforts, Senator Roberts wrote Secretary Chertoff to underline the commitment of Kansans to national security and the extent of bioscience development in Kansas.
In addition to this communication with DHS, Senator Roberts has worked diligently in the state to promote the benefits a facility of this nature would provide. As he stated in front of a specially called session of the Kansas Legislature, this facility will be the premier biosecurity research laboratory in the nation and the world. It will be a $451 million, 500,000 square foot building that will create as many as 500 high paying, scientific federal jobs. Over a 20 year period, it is estimated that the facility would have a $3.5 billion impact on the Kansas economy.
This past January, Senator Roberts became the Honorary Chairman of the Kansas Blue Ribbon Task Force to locate NBAF in Kansas. This prominent group is a prime example of the commitment of Kansans to development of science and technology in the state. To date, the task force has helped to coordinate representation of each site to DHS and taken positive steps both in the state and in Washington, DC on behalf of the Kansas proposals.
As the task force continues to advocate for NBAF in Kansas, DHS will move forward with its established timeline. This will include visits to Kansas and the other states with eligible sites, Environmental Impact Statements for sites selected to move to the next round, and the eventual naming of a site in 2008.
As Senator Roberts has repeatedly stated, Kansas could not be a more qualified home for NBAF. Not only are Kansans incredibly supportive of research that will advance national security and prove beneficial to agricultural producers in the state, the communities involved are among the most welcoming in the nation. It is hard to imagine a better place to raise a family, a better location from which to travel, or a more supportive state to lean on.
TASK FORCES WITHIN THE COMMITTEE
The Advisory Committee has organized into eight Task Forces. Each Task Force works on a specific set of technologies, or a specific area upon which technology is dependent. The Task Force’s goal is to determine how their specific area can grow into achieving more and better jobs in
Kansas . Each Task Force, its leadership and its major emphasis of work follows:
1. Aviation Task Force; Bob Waner,
Wichita , Chair
This Task Force is committed to helping Kansas maintain its leading position in manned and unmanned (UAV) aviation in the 21st Century by conducting research and developing applications of new technology in aerodynamics, controls, systems of systems, materials, structures, sensors, and safety.
While the five major aviation manufacturers (Boeing, Bombardier-Learjet, Cessna, Raytheon, and Spirit AeroSystems) dominate employment in south central Kansas, there are 1,800 smaller manufacturing shops in our state, so the economic stakes are very high in maintaining Kansas ’ leadership in this field.
The Aviation Task Force makes specific recommendations to Sen. Roberts for innovative and necessary research projects as well as major initiatives which can result in economic advantage.
The Task Force also recommends a
Center of
Excellence for Next Generation UAV Technologies, (COE-NGUT) at Salina KS, focused on the research, development, and flight-testing of future UAV Technologies in
Kansas . This center, administered by the Adjutant General’s Office operated jointly by the Kansas Air National Guard, and the Kansas UAV Consortium members in facilities provided through the Salina Airport Authority, will enable Kansas entities to develop and test key technologies and infrastructure to support
U.S. military and civilian UAV programs. It will also rapidly attract out-of-state entities to the state for testing efforts to create in-state jobs and revenues.
2. Biosciences Task Force; Ron Trewyn, Manhattan; Bill Duncan,
Kansas City ; Roy Jensen, Kanas City, Co Chairs
The Biosciences Task Force is currently focusing on advising Sen. Roberts’ two main areas: (1) the possible selection of
Kansas as the site of a National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility; and (2) Drug Discovery in the Heartland.
These two initiatives can result in major economic benefit to our state. They will bring international recognition and major research funding, as well as many upper level jobs.
Kansas is already the very national heart of the animal health industry, as well as a recognized pharmaceutical research and industrial center. These two initiatives will add strength to an already strong sector.
3. Education Task Force; Joe Heppert, Lawrence; Kristin Bowman-James, Lawrence, Co Chairs The Education Task Force is concerned at the size of the pipeline of students entering the technology and science disciplines. Their major focus is on increasing the quantity and quality of science and math instruction in
Kansas schools and to interest more qualified young people in these needed fields. The Task Force is working with many foundations, agencies and organizations to bring about change in an ever-increasing quest for higher quality.
4. Energy Task Force; Tim Carr,
Lawrence , Chair
In addition to a strong emphasis on improving the output of fossil fuel production in
Kansas , the Task Force is spending a good deal of effort on Bio-energy.
Kansas is positioned to be a major national leader in integrated bio-energy systems which can substantially improve rural economic development, enhance our national security, and engage in protecting the environment.
5. Homeland Security Task Force; Bill Lawson, Kansas City; Randy Mettner, Topeka , CoChairs The Homeland Security Task Force works to strengthen Kansas’ position in the national agenda for science and technology by assisting Senator Roberts to:
· Identify and promote opportunities and strategies for linking federal resources in support of Homeland Security initiatives and programs in the state, and promoting Kansas-based initiatives for sponsorship and implementation at the national level.
· Foster collaboration and partnerships within the state across industries, infrastructures and the public and private sectors, to improve the security of
Kansas ’ infrastructures, economy, and its citizens.
· Senator Roberts of
Kansas ’ Homeland Security strengths and weaknesses, investment opportunities, and policy and capability gaps in order to ensure the protection and security of its citizens.
6. Information Technology Task Force; Bob LaGarde,
Olathe , Chair
The Task Force identified three specific areas that need federal attention:
a. Destination Based “Streamlined” Sales Tax Initiatives (SST)
b. Data Security
c. Federal Angel Tax Credit Program
In addition, they will work to identify specific businesses in the information technology field, and attempt to set up some type of organized effort to allow for better communication and coordination across the broad spectrum of information technology.
7. Manufacturing Task Force; Sandy Johnson,
Overland Park , Chair
The goal of the Task Force is to strengthen
Kansas manufacturers and help position them for growth through training and implementation of best business practices. The Task Force urges recognition of the importance and value of
Kansas manufacturers. There are 4,700 manufacturers in
Kansas , a number that has been flat over the last 5 years. 48% of the manufacturers are located in rural communities. In 2005
Kansas manufacturers exported $6.1 billion of the $6.7 billion in total goods or 91% of exports, and in 2004 manufacturing was $14.5 billion or 15% of the Gross State Product.
The following areas have been identified as critical to business growth:
1. Skills Shortage
2. Ability to Implement a Continuous Process Improvement Process
3. Ability to Effectively Use Sales and Marketing
4. Ability to Develop or Maximize Growth/Innovation Opportunities
8. Materials Task Force; Ken Klabunde,
Manhattan ; Judy Wu, Lawrence, Co Chairs
The Task Force has been under the same leadershp for the last 10 years, and has many achievements in bringing the materials science community together for cross-communication and collaboration. The future of the Materials Science and nanotechnolgy efforts will be focused on Material Sciences and Device Physics; Total Analysis Systems; Materials Applications to the Life Sciences, Medicine, and Chem/Biodefense.
TENTH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING
Some 70 Members of Sen. Roberts’ Advisory Committee on Science, Technology and the Future attended 10th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Lawrence on February 20, 2007, as special guests of Chancellor Hemenway at the University of Kansas. Each of the eight Task Forces made short oral and detailed written reports to Senator Roberts. A brief summary of these reports is on the Task Forces page. (Link to Task Forces page.)
The Chancellor addressed the Advisory Committee thanking them and Senator Roberts for making a very big difference to Kansas advancements in the fields of science and technology.
(Link to Hemenway’s speech)
Senator Roberts addressed the Committee reviewing some of the past successes and looking toward the future of continually building a science and technology job base keeping the Kansas economy strong and vibrant.
(Link to Roberts’ speech)
The Kansas Technology Corridor
One of the outgrowths of the Roberts’ Advisory Committee on Science Technology and the Future is the idea that our institutes of higher education and federal military installations can serve as engines for economic growth sparking higher paying and better quality job opportunities. When looking at a map of Kansas and pinpointing the vital resources already in the Kansas Technology Corridor, it’s easy to see the potential for hi-tech economic growth if pursued correctly and collaboratively is tremendous.
The Kansas Technology Corridor is anchored by the exciting and evolving developments at growing Ft. Riley and Kansas State University on the west and the KU Medical Center, Stowers Institute for Medical Research and Johnson County Community College on the east. The Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, assets in Topeka and other Kansas towns will play a vital role in this effort as well, but perhaps no institution is better situated than the University of Kansas in Lawrence to play a leading and central role in the effort to grow the Kansas economy through scientific innovation.
One of the tangible achievements of the Roberts’ Advisory Committee is that these institutions are increasingly working together in partnership in pursuit of common objectives. These new partnerships often require researchers, workers and administrators to travel on a daily basis between these institutions. With that and public safety in mind, Senator Roberts has been a tireless advocate for an efficient highway transportation system in Kansas.
More specifically, in 2005 Senator Roberts announced the he secured $1.5 million in a federal Transportation appropriations bill to begin construction of the eastern portion of the South Lawrence Trafficway (Kansas Highway 10) on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ approved 32nd Street route. Senator Roberts has urged federal and state transportation officials to get this important economic development and public safety project moving as soon as possible.
THE FUTURE
Many new and exciting economic opportunities continue to surface on a monthly basis, including the opportunity to compete for a Department of Homeland Security run National Bio-Defense Facility and the announcement by Kansas State University, the City of Olathe and the Kansas Bioscience Authority that they will partner in the development of a research park and campus near the junction of K-7 and K-10 Highways. Rest assured, Senator Roberts will remain a strong advocate and a leader as the state of Kansas competes for science and technology assets in the years ahead.
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