The Research Foundation of State University of New
York, the largest university-connected research foundation in
the world, enables discovery through strong, behind-the-scenes
support of research education and public service. Under formal
contract with the university, the Foundation administers more
than 5,000 sponsored programs being conducted at the 29 state-operated
campuses of State University of New York.
Sponsored activities under way in almost every field, ranging
from the arts to quantum physics, have a major impact on the quality
of life in the state. SUNY researchers have pioneered nuclear
magnetic resonance imaging, isolated the bacterium that causes
Lyme disease, developed the first implantable heart pacemaker,
and made hundreds of other innovative contributions. Today, the
university ranks among the top ten research universities in the
country in patenting new discoveries.
The Foundation employs more than 21,000 people around the state
-- primarily on SUNY campuses -- to conduct research; deliver
healthcare; train students, the disabled, and the unemployed;
assist the New York State business community; and work in international
development programs.
Overseeing the Foundation's operations is a Board of Directors
composed of researchers, campus and university administrators,
SUNY Trustees, and representatives of business and industry. The
SUNY Chancellor serves as board chair ex officio.
History of the SUNY Research Foundation
The Research Foundation
was established in 1951, and has facilitated research, education,
and public service at 30 state-operated SUNY locations. The Foundation
carries out its responsibilities pursuant to an agreement entered
into in 1977 with the University.
The Research Foundation is a separate, private corporation, and
as such is not supported by state appropriated tax dollars, nor
does it receive support services provided to New York State agencies.
The Foundation is responsible for its own financial, legal, and
business systems; maintains its own personnel policies, employee
fringe benefits program, and payroll services.
