The Mississippi Public Universities Research Catalog is mandated by the State through the University Research Center Act of 1988 (§ 37-141-17). The publication lists the funding amounts by the sources of funding and by the university disciplines receiving the funding. It is designed for use by state policy makers, the educational community, economic developers, and the general public as a resource to: (1) Assist in developing strong legislative funding support for research; (2) Improve the regional, national, and international image of Mississippi universities as research institutions; (3) Encourage continued and expanded external funding support for state university research and sponsored programs; and (4) Enhance further development of technology transfer and practical applications of research which impact the state's economy. The "Research Catalog" includes only external awards and non-appropriated state awards for research and sponsored programs. The external resources identified in the Research Catalog are an indication of the national competitiveness of the universities in the state of Mississippi and of the quality research and sponsored programs they conduct. These resources provide essential funds to the state's public universities which strengthen the research, teaching, and service missions of the universities.