University of Kentucky Research Initiatives
Targeting Kentucky's Most Severe Problems

University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. has articulated a bold vision for his administration: turning UK's research resources toward addressing and solving the "Kentucky Uglies," his term for long-entrenched problems that are holding back the state's economic and cultural progress.

After encouraging the university's senior research professors to identify specific issues and propose solutions, President Todd selected 23 projects aimed at improving Kentucky's schools, business climate, environment, health care, and lifestyles.

President Todd deemed these projects the Commonwealth Collaboratives, a term that portrays the partnership binding UK's researchers, K-12 educators, independent health care providers, entrepreneurs, industries, local government officials and private citizens who will participate in -- and benefit from -- these projects.

He required principal investigators to provide annual reports describing their progress. These reports provide measurements demonstrating the actual impact on their target populations.

With 2008, 13 additional Collaboratives are being added to the 23 ongoing initiatives. All address Kentucky’s priority problems and work to enhance quality of life in the Commonwealth.

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