In a must-see topical lecture called “From Discovery to Impact: A Framework for Research That Strengthens Communities,” Morton draws on Arizona State University’s pioneering model of use-inspired research — where excellence is measured by the overall economic, social, cultural, and overall health of the communities ASU serves.
Grounded in ASU’s charter commitment to research and discovery of public value, this talk offers a clear and actionable structure that universities, policymakers, and researchers can apply to align discovery with local and national priorities.
Through clear case studies, Morton shows how this process comes to life. In one example, she presents the success of the Phoenix Bioscience Core — a thriving downtown life-science district that has accelerated medical breakthroughs while revitalizing Phoenix’s urban core. This achievement is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the university, the state, the City of Phoenix, and industry leaders. Attendees will learn how shared infrastructure, translational research, and workforce-aligned education can simultaneously advance health innovation and regional economic development.
The lecture also spotlights ASU’s leadership in developing Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem. From creating advanced prototyping facilities and public–private research centers to expansive workforce pipelines that span K–12, higher education, and industry credentials, Morton illustrates how to rapidly scale research and increase economic development.
More than a showcase of success, this talk is a call to action. Morton synthesizes lessons learned into a replicable collaborative research and education framework that strengthens communities — one that starts with local opportunities and challenges, co-designs solutions and co-invests across sectors, and measures outcomes in both human and economic terms. For anyone interested in the future of research, innovation, and societal impact, this lecture offers inspiration, insight, and a roadmap for turning knowledge into lasting public good.