Arizona uni shuts social research lab

US-- The Northern Arizona University (NAU) has closed its social research lab in the wake of budget cuts and spiralling deficits.

The lab had been running at a deficit for the last two years, and was more than $100,000 over budget in fiscal 2008, which had to be covered by university subsidies.

It had been operating for 12 years and some of its most notable work included polling during elections and political campaigns.

Michael Stevenson, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at NAU, said: “The Social Research Lab has performed some good, high-profile work over the years but the budget reduction the university is facing forces us to rethink some of the projects we are engaged in.”

He added: “We feel closing the lab – while unfortunate – will help solve NAU's budgetary difficulties without threatening the academic integrity of the college.”

Two full time employees and one part time employee will lose their jobs as a result of the closure.

Meanwhile, in Dubuque, Iowa, the Alta Vista Research Group has been formed to replace the Center for Business and Social Research at Loras College.

The new firm will use a mixture of professional researchers and students to carry out commercial research projects.

College president James Collins said: “Loras welcomes Alta Vista Research Group to campus as a partner in continuing to provide and enhance the critical, quality research needs for current and future clients.”

Author: James Verrinder