Our Goal
We will engineer impact by focusing on national research priorities and building the expertise, partnerships and infrastructure needed to lead in these areas. By recruiting top faculty, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and supporting researchers at every career stage, we will strengthen our capacity for innovation and discovery. Strategic investments in technology, facilities and visibility will enhance our ability to translate research into solutions that advance knowledge, serve society and elevate Mizzou’s national reputation.
Pillar II.1: Discover salient research landscapes and move Mizzou forward
Sub-Objectives
Tactics
- Identify grand challenge areas and align college priorities with federal and industry funding programs
- Document gaps in faculty expertise to guide MizzouForward hiring
- Strengthen existing centers and develop ≥ three new national-level centers
- Engage with campus initiatives (EIC, QIC, MURR, NextGen) to enable shared facilities/collaboration
Tactics
- Manage MizzouForward hiring; coordinate invited talks/visits
Pillar III.2: Proactively bring strengths together and shape mindsetes
Sub-Objectives
Tactics
- Form Research Interest Groups (RIGs) across colleges/disciplines
Tactics
- Provide seed funding; pool resources via consortia/MOUs
- Encourage collaboration with College of Arts and Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, School of Medicine, MU Extension, etc.
Tactics
- Focus on applied research translation (PFI, SBIR/STTR, DoD Plus-Ups, Mizzou TecHub)
- Provide guidance for industry/foundation solicitations
Pillar III.3: Accelerate success through community capacity building
Sub-Objectives
Tactics
- Offer one-on-one and structured departmental mentoring for proposals
- Host contracts and grans training, CAREER/YIP support, ERA toolbox
Tactics
- Provide seed funding for team-science proposals and interdisciplinary symposia
Tactics
- Grow stakeholder involvement (MU Extension, Red Team, Advancement, industry, DoD/DoE, Foundations)
Pillar III.4: Foster visibility of strong programs and celebrate scholars
Sub-Objectives
Tactics
- Collaborate with College of Engineering Marketing and Communications to promote publications, patents and research stories
Tactics
- Coordinate nominations; create awards committee and peer network
Tactics
- Create digital/physical showcases for donors, students and visitors
Pillar III.5: Increase access to world-class tools for world-class research
Sub-Objectives
Tactics
- Develop AI-ready experimental testbeds for multiple science domains
Tactics
- Collaborate with RCSS; pursue infrastructure grants and industry gifts
Tactics
- Increase acquisition and shared use of instrumentation
Tactics
- Encourage use of Pivot, ForagerOne, Academic Analytics, ERA dashboards