Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF)
Proposition 301, passed by Arizona voters in November 2000, resulted in a a six-tenths-cent increase in the state sales tax for the purpose of providing funds to K-12, community colleges and state universities. Collection of this tax began on June 1, 2001 and will continue through June 30, 2021. In response to Prop 301, the Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF) was established on behalf of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) (the authorized Fund administrator) to receive Proposition 301 funds intended for Arizona state universities. As of June 30, 2008, $409.9 million has been received into TRIF.
Every five years, ABOR approves a five-year TRIF budget plan for the three state universities. The current TRIF budget period is FY2007-2011. During that period, NAU's TRIF agenda focuses on the following goals:
- Stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation, and research & development (R&D) to support Arizona’s knowledge-based economy;
- Increase access to higher education to prepare a skilled workforce to meet the needs of Arizona’s expanding economy;
- Invest in infrastructure that will promote R&D partnerships with business, enhance technology transfer, and connect knowledge creators with knowledge users;
- Develop new and expand existing programs to prepare students for high technology industries in Arizona.
Research projects under two TRIF initiatives, Growing Biotechnology Initiative (GBI) and Education and Research for the New Economy (ERDENE) are funded competitively in an annual grant program administered by the Office of the Vice President for Research in the Spring semester of each academic year. Click on the GBI and ERDENE links above to learn more about the work being funded by TRIF in these areas.
Office of the Vice President for Research
(VPR)
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 4087
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
Phone (928) 523-4340
Fax (928) 523-1075
Email the VPR
About the VPR