The problem with SolidWorks and Pro/E is that they can't be used casually.
In other words, these packages are complex enough that you (a) need training and (b) need to keep your chops by working the app most every day.
Most people in research have far too varied a "job description" to allow this. For them a broadly-capable CAD program with an industry-standard interface like VectorWorks is better. And VectorWorks runs native on MacOS X. See http://www.nemetschek.net/
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The problem with SolidWorks and Pro/E is that they can't be used casually. In other words, these packages are complex enough that you (a) need training and (b) need to keep your chops by working the app most every day. Most people in research have far too varied a "job description" to allow this. For them a broadly-capable CAD program with an industry-standard interface like VectorWorks is better. And VectorWorks runs native on MacOS X. See http://www.nemetschek.net/