newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Rutgers University says the proposed collaboration with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey would improve the school’s research abilities so much that the university would be on a par with Harvard and Purdue.

The merger would move Rutgers’ research and development spending up to 33rd in the nation from 54th, according to the Republic.

A task force appointed by Governor Chris Christie is expected to give final recommendations this month on the possibility of two of New Jersey's three universities of public research being merged.

But Newark Mayor Cory Booker wants to see the UMDNJ remain a major presence in Newark. “Any plans for reorganizing UMDNJ must contribute to the continued vibrancy, strength and growth of higher education in the greater Newark region,” Booker said, according to the Press of Atlantic City.

Rutgers, UMDNJ and the governor's office have all formed committees looking to allow Rutgers to take in parts of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey by July 1. Officials say the move would aid Rutgers' chances of receiving grants and perhaps encourage research trials of drugs from New Jersey's pharmaceutical companies. A merger would also bring more prestige, students and funding.

Christie’s task force wants to move Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and the School of Public Health of UMDNJ to Rutgers. The buildings already share facilities, students, and faculty with Rutgers, and are close to Rutgers’ main campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway.

Faculty, students, and Newark residents of the UMDNJ expressed concerns with the arrangement at a public meeting in October. According to NJ.com, they said it would cause Newark to face an uncertain future, and warned that if Newark lost the medical schools, the city would lose money and the health of its residents would suffer.

Rep. Frank Pallone wrote for NJ.com that the combination of the schools will help New Jersey create a highly-rated university with a top-flight medical school. He feels the move will help the state receive increased funding from the National Institutes of Health to promote studies that generate new companies and create jobs.