Dec. 3: Input sought on research study at ‘town hall’ event

ChrisKeanePULLMAN, Wash. – The university community is invited to a “town hall” meeting to discuss and give feedback on a study to improve research, scholarship and creativity. The event – 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, in FSHN T101 – is hosted by the Washington State University Office of Research and Provost’s Office.

Light refreshments will be available at 3:30 p.m. Regional campuses can participate through video connections in Spokane SAC 501, Tri-Cities TWST 247 and WSU Vancouver (VCLS 208J/UB 311/VMMC 204).

100+ suggestions already received

“120-Day Study” subgroups are nearly half way into the effort, but more feedback is welcome on targeted research themes, research infrastructure, faculty and student engagement and productivity, outreach and economic development.

“The purpose of the meeting is simply to communicate the scope and goals of this project, where we are and to give people an opportunity to comment,” said Chris Keane, vice president for research, who is co-chairing the study with Provost Dan Bernardo.

Keane said he has already received more than 100 research theme suggestions from faculty through the study website at http://officeofresearch.wsu.edu/120Day/. The site remains open for input.

About the subgroups

Research themes will help determine grand challenge problems that most closely align with WSU research strengths, incorporate a broad number of researchers from multiple disciplines and have the potential to develop solutions to specific societal challenges. The numerous suggestions already received for research themes can be viewed by those with a WSU network ID at https://myresearch.wsu.edu/120DayStudyResearchThemesReview.aspx.

Research infrastructure is evaluating both physical infrastructure (e.g. equipment) and research support infrastructure (e.g. personnel and policy) around the institution. One possible outcome of its work could be an easily accessible and searchable website to find instrumentation available on campus and who to contact about using it.

Faculty and student engagement/productivity aims to enhance the professional development of WSU faculty and students. It is looking at recruitment and retention issues, mentoring, training and recognition.

Outreach, engagement and economic development is examining ways to increase the public’s awareness of WSU research, increase WSU’s engagement with its constituents and facilitate research commercialization.