Research and Economic Development hosts faculty forums

The Division of Research and Economic Development announces a series of faculty forums that will provide critical input into the development of a strategic plan for the Division.

Four forums, on Jan 14, Feb 11, March 11 and April 15, will provide faculty an opportunity to have input into identifying the important questions in their disciplines and the strengths that UND has to address them. Outlining a vision for the future will be critical; we do not want to have a plan that will just maintain the status quo. Although each session has a major area of disciplinary emphasis, we hope to have broad interdisciplinary participation at every forum. While we will invite key people, such as department chairs, to specific forums, every session is open to faculty from any department. Faculty who participate will be eligible for a drawing at each forum, with the prize being a stipend of up to $2,000 for travel related to research or scholarly work.

Because of special funding made available to us, we will also have a session on Jan. 28 involving both faculty and private sector participants to discuss the future of life science-related business in the Grand Forks region.

These will be professionally facilitated forums. Lunch and other refreshments will be provided at no cost to participants. Pre-registration will be required to ensure we have enough food for everyone. 

The information derived from these forums will be an important part of the information used in the development of a draft strategic plan for the Division of Research and Economic Development, and more generally, for the entire research enterprise at UND. This plan will be posted on the Division’s website for your feedback before it is finalized and submitted to the President.

Schedule of Sessions –
Jan. 14: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Life Sciences for the 21st Century – Memorial Union/Ballroom – A faculty forum 
Jan. 28: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Life Sciences Enterprise for the 21st Century – Memorial Union/Ballroom – Faculty and representatives from regional life sciences companies and economic development agencies
Feb. 11: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Physical Sciences and Engineering for the 21st Century – Hilton Garden Inn – Faculty forum
March 11: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Social and Behavioral Sciences for the 21st Century – Memorial Union Ballroom – Faculty forum
April 15: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Creative and Scholarly Work in the Arts and Humanities for the 21st Century – Hilton Garden Inn – Faculty forum