Donald Hamelberg, Georgia State University’s new vice president for Research and Economic Development, is focusing on advancing the institution’s research efforts and shaping its future direction. He oversees a community of researchers at Georgia State that has invested over $1.88 billion in research over the past decade.
In discussing the current state of research at Georgia State, Hamelberg described it as “impactful.” He stated, “At Georgia State, our research runs the gamut, from producing incredible books and scholarship in the humanities to having a drug candidate in a Phase 3 trial. Georgia State is one of only a few universities in Georgia with an R1 designation from Carnegie, meaning we meet the standards for ‘very high research activity.’ In our case, that’s happening even without a medical or engineering school, which is rare.”
According to data from the National Science Foundation, Georgia State reported more than $237 million in research spending within a single year. The university leads statewide research spending in political science as well as government fields and holds prominent positions in sociology, demography and population studies. It also ranks near the top for computer and information sciences, psychology, and social sciences.
Hamelberg pointed to several factors distinguishing Georgia State among regional R1 institutions: “First is our location. We’re right in downtown Atlanta, just a few blocks from the state Capitol, and we’re surrounded by major businesses and organizations. That gives our students and researchers incredible access to industry and government leaders. Second, it’s our student body. We’ve got about 52,000 students, and we’re one of the most diverse universities in the country. That means we bring together a huge range of perspectives in our research and learning environment. And finally, we’re nationally recognized for our student success programs, which focus on meeting students where they are and helping them succeed, no matter their background. When you combine all that, you get a real urban research powerhouse.”
On integrating research into education at Georgia State University (GSU), Hamelberg explained: “There’s a line I’ll paraphrase from the University System of Georgia’s mission statement: ‘We create knowledge through research, share it through teaching, and apply it through service and innovation.’ That really captures how we approach things at GSU.
“Our faculty are doing cutting-edge research, and they bring that knowledge into the classroom. That means students aren’t just learning from textbooks; they’re learning from people who are actively shaping their fields. And they’re gaining critical-thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in any career. In addition, the impact research has on future education is profound. The research happening now is the work that will be in textbooks and taught in classrooms 10 or 20 years from now for the next generation of students to learn and build on.
“I know that’s why research and innovation is one of our four strategic pillars. It’s central to how we serve our students.”
Georgia State also plays an economic role regionally: “Georgia State University is a big economic driver in the region,” said Hamelberg. “As a whole, the institution contributes about $3.2 billion annually in economic impact to the metro Atlanta area. In addition, I really see the investment we make in producing knowledge and inventions at Georgia State as a pre-payment for future innovation and jobs… Plus,a strong research community attracts businesses creates jobsand helps builda skilled workforce.The long-term returnon investinginresearch really benefitsthe entire region.”
Addressing shifts in funding environments,Hamelberg emphasized flexibility:“Well,we pride ourselvesfor being nimble.Yes,it’s definitelya changing environment,butwe’ve always lookedfor new opportunities.Thereare somany emerging fieldsto explore.We’re constantlylookingatnew kinds of partnerships especiallywithindustry,and finding waysto alignour strengthswith emerging opportunities.Whenwe strategically connectto businessand academic partners,we canbringmoreof those discoveriesand moreofthatknowledgeintothereal world.”
For faculty seeking grant expansion,Hamelberg pointed out resources:“InsideGeorgiaState’s OfficeofResearch,we havea research development teamwhosecore functionis toconnectpeoplewithgrantopportunitiesandtools.We wanttosupportresearchdirectlyaswell,sowejustrolledoutanupdatetoourinternalgrantsprogram,andwearebeginninganewsetofgrantsthroughtheARISE programwhichisthenextiterationoftheProjectRISEinitiativethatwassungreatsuccess.”
He added,“Asthere searcher myself,I’malsokeepinganeyehowfederalfundingisevolving.Forexample,theWhiteHouseOfficeofScienceandTechnologyPolicyjustlaunchedanactionplanthat emphasizesresearchonAI.Thatworkcanhappeninahugenumberoffields—fromdrugdesigntopolicytopublichealthtothehumanities—aswellasinareaslikecomputerscienceandbusiness.AsaresultallthefederalfundingagenciesarealigningsomeoftheirfundingprioritieswiththeAIactionplan,andwearereadytosupportourresearchersastheyexplorehowtheseemergingopportunitiescansupporttheirresearchprograms.”
Looking forward,Hamelberg outlined his priorities:“My visionisforustocontinuetobeadaptableandmakesurethatresearchisintegratedinallaspectsofthestudentexperience.Ourcommitmenttoinnovationanddoingimpactfulworkthatwilltransformourcommunitiesisparamount.So,I’moptimistic.What’sinterestingaboutthecurrentenvironmentisthatwe’reneworkingharderthanevertoshowhowresearchconnectstothebiggerpictureandcontributestosociety—somethingwe’vejustassumedeverybodyrecognized.Moreimportantly,we’reshowcasinghowresearchisn’tjustaboutindividualbreakthroughsatoneuniversity.Whenwecollaborateandshareknowledge,everyonebenefits.IbelievethatembracingthatspiritofcommunityprogresswillhelpdriveGeorgiaStateforwardandreallyallowustocontinuemakinganimpactwhereitcounts.”
