Purdue executive vice president to testify at congressional hearing

Theresa Mayer (Purdue University photo/John Underwood) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The effects of the COVID-19 crisis on university research will be the focus of a hearing held today (Sept. 9) by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology.

Theresa Mayer, Purdue University's executive vice president for research and partnerships, will be one of four people providing testimony on the subject.

The virtual hearing is scheduled to be held 11:30 a.m. ET. It will be available to be viewed online via livestream at https://science.house.gov/.

Mayer's testimony is expected to focus on the Purdue University response to the COVID-19 crisis, including the wind-down and wind-up, and continuation of research under the Protect Purdue Plan. Her testimony also will mention federal legislation important to the federal partnership with the nation's research enterprise.

"This work was done while faculty members transitioned their classes to remote delivery almost overnight," Mayer said before the testimony. "And, we must recognize that all of this was accomplished while many researchers were also experiencing additional family responsibilities.

"Overall, it was a remarkable and impressive period for the Purdue faculty and staff. We should all be proud of what we have been able to accomplish together."

The testimony is on two pieces of legislation intended to provide assistance to academic researchers, the Research Investment to Spark the Economy (RISE) Act and the Support Early-Career Researchers Act. 

Indiana Rep. Jim Baird (4th District, representing West Lafayette) serves on the House committee, which is led by Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas).

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at https://purdue.edu/. 

Writer, Media contact: Steve Tally, steve@purdue.edu, @sciencewriter

Source: Theresa Mayer, tsmayer@purdue.edu 

Journalists visiting campus: Journalists should follow Protect Purdue protocols and the following guidelines:

• Campus is open, but the number of people in spaces may be limited. We will be as accommodating as possible, but you may be asked to step out or report from another location.
• To enable access, particularly to campus buildings, we recommend you contact the Purdue News Service media contact listed on the release to let them know the nature of the visit and where you will be visiting. A News Service representative can facilitate safe access and may escort you on campus.
• Correctly wear face masks inside any campus building, and correctly wear face masks outdoors when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible.