Twelve years ago, I became editor of this magazine. It has been a remarkable 12 years indeed!

The experience has allowed me to meet, interview and know some of the most creative and intelligent people in Arizona, and perhaps the world. I’ve worked with professors in optical science, atmospheric physics, astronomy, humanities, anthropology, fine arts, geosciences and just about every discipline represented on this campus.

Some of the work of researchers on this campus translates quickly to inventions, breakthroughs and programs that help people in various ways.

Other researchers delve into subjects and make discoveries that have no immediate application, but do add to the body of human knowledge, and will someday provide the link to greater understanding of our world and universe.

Most important, all discoveries and new knowledge created by the faculty find their way back to the classrooms here, ensuring that the knowledge is passed along to new and fresh young minds, some of whom will stay in teaching and research, and some of whom will enter the vast worlds of work such as industry, finance and government.

My writers, photographers, designers and I have all committed ourselves to helping readers understand the research that goes on at the University of Arizona, and to fostering an appreciation of that work and how it ultimately enriches our lives.

But while we are understandably proud of what we do, and especially of what the faculty and researchers do, we often feel we are working in the dark in regards to you, the reader. We would like to hear from you.

What do you think of the articles we present? What is your opinion of university research and creative activity in general, and at the UA specifically? Do you have suggestion for how we can improve the magazine?

You will find on the next page, right next to the magazine’s contents, my address, telephone number and my e-mail address. Your comments and questions will help all of us who work on Report on Research. In addition, you’ll find a directory of researchers inside the back cover if you would like to contact the researchers directly about their work. Enjoy this issue’s slate of fascinating articles of creative activity at the University of Arizona, and then tell us what you think about them.