A record 32 researchers and their support staff from the Office of Research and Commercialization were recognized last week in what has become a much-anticipated campus tradition  –  induction into the UCF Millionaires Club.

Researchers in areas ranging from education to simulation to photonics made the ninth edition of the list, which began in 2000 to celebrate the accomplishments of highly funded researchers.

The sole criteria for entrée into the exclusive order is external sponsored research funding of $1 million or more during a given fiscal year.

The club has grown from the inaugural class of six researchers in 2000, who cumulatively received $11.7 million, to the 2008 class that received a total of $60.4 million.

“There are many ways to analyze the growth of research and commercialization at UCF, but recognizing the hard work and intellectual power that is rewarded in the extremely competitive world of external research funding is one of the truest indicators of our success,” said MJ Soileau, vice president for Research and Commercialization.

Research funding at the university has grown exponentially in the past decade, from $37.5 million in 1999 to the new record high of $122.8 million in 2008. Despite the economic turbulence of the last year, research funding continued to grow, rising more than 17 percent in two years.


Also recognized were more than 30 support staff from the Office of Research and Commercialization who assisted in the preparation and submission of 1,395 proposals in 2008 and the management of grants received.

“We’re very proud of our support staff and the invaluable role they play in all areas of sponsored research, from the management of proposals and grants to making sure we comply with federal standards and regulations,” said Tom O’Neal, associate vice president for Research and Commercialization.

“None of this growth would be possible without the dedication of our entire team of researchers and staff.”

Researchers in Millionaires Club for College of Sciences:

Sciences: Carrie Whitcomb and Eduardo Salas