University-based research will be a critical resource for America in the next century, a NASA administrator said at a public conference Friday.

"If we expect to lead the world, we must inspire our young people. America can no longer sit on its laurels," said NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin.

The conference, titled "Meeting the Challenge: Research and Technology in the 21st Century," was held at University of Arizona's McClelland Hall.

Speaking to about 150 people, Goldin emphasized that technology in the United States had been driven by the Cold War - that competition got America to the moon and launched countless spin-off technologies, including advances in optical science, which have given the UA one of the top optics departments in the country, he said.

However, the Cold War is over, and "We must now learn to cooperate with other countries, not just compete," Goldin said.

A strong commitment to research at universities and long-term financial support by the American people is the foundation for such international cooperation, he said.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has backed up its commitment to university-based research with substantial financial assistance.

In the 1995 fiscal year, NASA awarded the UA more than $60 million in research dollars, making NASA the UA's second largest grant donor. The Department of Health and Human Services awarded the UA about $200,000 more than NASA.

Although Goldin made budget reductions one of his first priorities at NASA, university grants remain a staple in the budget. Instead of cutting research dollars, Goldin found ways of "doing more while spending less." He said universities must do the same.

For example, the Imager for Mars Pathfinder that NASA launched last week cost $250 million, compared with the $1 billion price tag of the Mars Observer that was launched three years ago but disappeared before entering Mars' orbit.

The UA is dedicated to continuing its cooperation with NASA on projects like the Pathfinder. Researchers in the Lunar and Planetary Sciences Department built the stereoscopic camera aboard the $6 million robotic explorer.

At the same time, the UA is also moving toward a stronger presence in all areas of research and development by teaming with private industry. The conference, which was the first event in the dedication of the UA's new Science and Technology Park, 9000 S. Rita Road, was the first opportunity to make this broader goal known.

UA President Manuel Pacheco said, "The acquisition of the Science and Technology Park is part of the UA's emergence as a leader in science and technology research."

Michael Cusanovich, vice president for research and graduate studies, said the Park will provide "a space for partnership" with private industry. Seven private companies are already in business at the facility.

Although research at the Science and Technology Park will not directly contribute to teaching at the university, Cusanovich said internships with the companies will be made available to UA students.

The UA's move toward an expanded role in scientific development is consistent with Arizona's history, said Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. "Technology has been the bedrock of our economic success." And as technology based firms move into Arizona, they cluster aroun d the universities, he said.

Despite the UA's strength in research, Kyl said the number one challenge facing the UA is providing a good education to its students by balancing teaching and research.

"We need to remember the primary responsibility of the university is to teach. Our universities have not done a good job of preparing the work force," he said.

The conference was sponsored by the UA Office of Research, UA Community Affairs and Economic Development and the UA Office of Federal Relations, and co-hosted by the Arizona Congressional Delegation.

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