Scholarship and Research

Scholarship and research are essential aspects of the University’s enterprise. Pushing the frontiers of knowledge and addressing real-world problems, Princeton scientists and scholars publish research across the spectrum of intellectual inquiry. Every member of the faculty is engaged in scholarly research; each year the members of the faculty publish more than 2,000 scholarly documents. In addition, graduate students and upperclass undergraduates pursue independent research. While many research projects begin with individual scholars and scientists working within their academic departments, many others arise from collaborations between traditional academic disciplines.

The Office of the Dean for Research, which includes Offices of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Research and Project Administration, and Technology Licensing, oversees the solicitation, acceptance, and administration of research grants from government and other sources as well as the patenting and licensing of discoveries made in Princeton laboratories.

According to figures available as August 1, 2007: External sources funded 1,229 separate projects in 2006–07 (not including the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory); there were 528 sponsored projects in the natural sciences, 447 in engineering and applied science, 168 in the humanities and social sciences, and 86 in centers, institutes, and nondepartmental programs; and funding for these projects totaled $145 million—86.6 percent from government, 8.2 percent from foundations, 3.4 percent from industry, and 1.8 percent from other sources. Including PPPL, the University receives approximately $220 million per year in research funding from external sources.

From learning fundamentals of physics through music in a freshman seminar to working at the cutting edge of electronics and materials research for a senior thesis, undergraduates have outstanding opportunities to explore science and research. Students are encouraged to become members of the scientific community and pursue new channels of investigation, through the A.B., B.S.E., and interdisciplinary programs.

To reinforce classroom learning, undergraduate students have many scientific resources on campus, from FitzRandolph Observatory for star-gazing to Icahn Laboratory for discussing the latest in genomics research. Scholarship and research also can take students far beyond Princeton; for example, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers “a semester in the field” in Panama for juniors.

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is a collaborative national center for plasma and fusion science. Its primary mission is to make the scientific discoveries and develop the key innovations that will lead to fusion as a safe, economical, and environmentally attractive energy source for the long-term. Associated missions include conducting world-class research along the broad frontier of plasma science, and providing the highest quality of scientific education. The laboratory, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is located on the James Forrestal Campus.

PPPL has approximately 420 employees, and the laboratory’s budget in fiscal year 2007 is $76.5 million.

Academic Resources

The 500-acre Princeton campus is a nexus of opportunity for students. A wealth of resources and support services help them get the most out of their time at the University. From first-rate libraries to innovative computer technology, students have access to many tools to explore academic interests.

The Library

The Princeton University Library, one of the world’s most distinguished research libraries, consists of the Harvey S. Firestone Memorial Library and 15 special libraries. Its holdings include more than 6.5 million books, 6 million microforms, 36,000 linear feet of manuscripts, and smaller but distinguished holdings of rare books, prints, archives, and other material that require special handling. The library’s extensive electronic resources include databases and journals, statistical packages, images, and digital maps. The budget for 2006–07 was approximately $42 million, which included more than $17 million for acquisitions.

The University Art Museum

The Princeton University Art Museum is used extensively as a teaching resource. Its collections and exhibitions include artifacts of the ancient world (including rare Pre-Columbian, classical, and Far Eastern objects); paintings and sculpture of the Renaissance, modern Europe, and America; important collections of prints, drawings, and photographs; and a collection of 20th-century sculpture displayed throughout campus.

Information Technology

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) supports the use of information technologies and Internet access for the University’s academic and administrative needs. Princeton’s computing resources are connected to campus fiber-optic and wireless networks and to the Internet. Students’ personally owned computers can access the campus network and the Internet in dormitories and around campus. Students also have access to workstations in clusters. OIT’s support for academic endeavors includes the Blackboard course management system, TIGRESS high-performance research computing center, an instructional technology New Media Center, the Language Resource Center, and the Educational Technologies Center. OIT also provides administrative information systems, audiovisual services, centralized printing and mailing services, computer hardware repair, coordination and training for distributed campus computing support personnel, software purchases, the University’s telephone system, a walk-in solutions center, and help desk assistance in the use of these resources.

top | August 2007