Schools

USF, Mote create marine research partnership

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER, Times Staff Writer
Published January 18, 2008

TAMPA - The University of South Florida and the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota have worked together on Red Tide and other research projects over the years, but now the two want to formalize the relationship by forming a multimillion-dollar partnership.

USF provost Ralph Wilcox said the collaboration will make the most of resources and brainpower.

"USF is just thrilled and elated at being aligned with such a world-class brand," Wilcox said Thursday.

The timing of the venture, however, is less than ideal.

Mote Marine has pledged $4.5-million of its roughly $11-million research endowment to the project, but USF and Mote will ask the Legislature in coming weeks to budget another $6-million a year for it. They also are seeking $10-million in one-time money in the 2008-09 budget.

But legislators are bracing for painful cuts across the board, thanks to a tanking economy and resulting state revenue shortfalls.

"Like anyone else, we'll have to make a compelling case as to the benefits of this for the whole state," Wilcox said.

Under the proposal, USF and Mote will form a direct support organization that pairs Mote researchers with USF's marine science college, as well as its colleges of arts and sciences, engineering and public health.

As one entity, USF and Mote also can raise money and lobby for their research interests in Tallahassee.

Shannon Colavecchio-Van Sickler can be reached at svansickler@sptimes.com or 813 226-3403.

[Last modified January 17, 2008, 22:43:44]