This program was designed to highlight how various levels of leadership can contribute to the research cluster initiative. The following groups will be highlighted:

• Central-level leaders such as Provosts and VPs
• Unit-level leaders such as Program Directors, Chairs, and Deans
• Center and Institute leaders
• Research administrators and leaders
• Senior faculty looking to lead research cluster efforts

January 25, 2022

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET

Part 1: Institutional Alignment & Strategy

A successful research cluster initiative needs to take a realistic look at institutional research goals and develop an institution-specific process. During the first part of this session, we will outline considerations for matching institutional strengths to local, regional, and national funding opportunities. We will then turn to developing a data-driven, long-term strategy that sustains and grows emerging clusters.

Part 2: Leadership Across Roles & Responsibilities

Sustainable success requires leading thoughtful campus-wide discussions enabled by collaborative leadership across a variety of roles and responsibilities. During Part 2 of this session, we will explore how to take a long-term view to managing the implementation, evolution, and maintenance of clusters over the years. Discussion will also include how to involve the humanities and social sciences, as well as STEM disciplines.

Part 3: Evaluation

The final part of this session will provide an overview of how to evaluate success in both the short- and long-term through establishing criteria for existing and new clusters, centers, and institutes.

Open Discussion

At the conclusion of the session, Dr. Burggren will facilitate a discussion session where participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and share their own past and present experiences in research cluster creation.