As part of a road map to expanding our research impact and expenditures through the Research Strategic Initiative: Growth with Purpose, six infrastructure opportunities, or enablers, were identified in the final report from UAB’s engagement with Huron Consulting and Urban Impact Advisors. The report also recommended creating working groups to address these enablers.
The working groups are:
- Research Related Processes
- Research Technology
- Research Data Management & Structure
- Employment Destination
- Research Administration Workforce
- Enhance Facilities Optimization & Enhancement
Working group selection process
In collaboration with the UAB deans and the chair of the Faculty Senate, the Executive Steering Committee identified two co-chairs to lead each working group.
On May 31 2024, a call for applications for prospective members of the working groups was announced to campus in the UAB eReporter and subsequently in the Research Matters email. The application form was open for two weeks and received 39 applications (13 from faculty).
In addition to those candidates nominated by deans, the Executive Steering Committee and the Faculty Senate, candidates who self-nominated were considered if they received the approval of their department chair and dean. There was a total of 93 nominees, with 64 selected.
The final membership of the working groups and chairs was announced in July 2024, with the groups beginning to meet on July 17.
Working group membership
Thirty-three of the 64 working group members (52 percent) have faculty appointments. There is faculty representation on each working group. See a full list of the working group membership on the Research Strategic Initiative website.
Progress and next steps
- Each working group has met at least once and most have monthly standing meetings.
- Each group is charged with drafting an annual work plan by a target date of Feb. 20, 2025. These work plans will include SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) action plans.
- The groups also are outlining topics that will need cross-collaboration with other working groups.
- Two working groups (Research Related Processes and Research Administration Workforce) have created subgroups and will be adding additional members in related fields from the campus community as needed.
- The working groups co-chairs have met three times since the kickoff in July to discuss feedback from other working group members and share progress updates.
Engagement opportunities
Any member of the UAB community can share feedback and comments using this form on the Research Strategic Initiative website or by communicating with working group members and/or the research associate dean in their school/college.
