Research Challenges and Opportunities - A Dean's View

Sarah A. RajalaNC State Research RetreatFebruary 23-24, 2006

Research Vision

Have we decided where we want to go?

Do we need a common vision?

If so, how do we ensure we have a shared commitment to this common vision?

University Strategic Plan

What role does research play?

Are the core strategies consistent with achieving the research vision?

Research Strategic Plan

Should we have a plan to support a research vision?

Have we identified specific goals?

Do we know how to achieve these goals?

Are their hurdles that need to be overcome?

Possible Research Goals

Increase in research funding per faculty member

Increase in number of faculty active in research

Increase in the number of PhD graduates per faculty

Increase in federal research expenditures

Possible Strategies

Strategic investmentFocused areasKey research infrastructureKey faculty hiresQuality vs. quantity in proposal submissionsCollaborative research teams

Possible Strategies 2

Faculty InvestmentsNew hires

Start-up packages Equipment – single user

or shared Space Junior vs senior

Possible Strategies 3

Faculty retention Space Infrastructure upgrades Endowed positions/named professorships Bridge funding

Possible Strategies 4

Disengaged faculty Incentives Sabbaticals Infrastructure upgrades Teaming opportunities

Possible Strategies 5

Cost sharingRequiredOpportunity

investmentsRole of Foundation

support

Possible Strategies 6

Staff supportPre-award

Budgets Proposal development Submissions

Post-awardTechnical staff

Possible Strategies 7

Graduate programsEnrollment planning

Number of students MS vs. Ph.D.

TA supportStipendsGSSP/Tuition Remission

Other Issues

Role of Centennial Campus Decreasing and/or changing funding

opportunities Impact of shortened delivery cycle by DoD

Review at 15 months - go or no go Anti-university bias among some agencies Cost of rental facilities Faculty overload

Summary

To ensure success we must know where we are going

To ensure success we must have broad buy-in Once we know where we want to go, we must

define how we want to get there Some strategies may be common, others will be

unique