Why a Roadmap?

Our research enterprise has expanded tremendously over the last few decades, and we have had a steady rate of growth in awards. Yet there is more we can do to fully leverage our incredible potential for achievements and impact. Since its inception, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) has been without a strategic plan to guide Carolina’s research enterprise. As a result, we have often operated opportunistically, which can have its benefits. Yet at the same time, without a campus-level strategy, we run the risk of not fully leveraging our incredible research potential.

Strategic plans bring focus to complex organizations by setting clear goals and objectives. By creating alignment across departments and teams, we will capitalize upon shared goals and vision, allowing mutually-agreed-upon strategic priorities to take shape. The Research Roadmap we have developed is responsive to gaps and opportunities identified by key stakeholders. Together, we will work to ensure Carolina’s continued research leadership and impact.

How We Got Here

The OVCR engaged a diverse group of stakeholders across campus in a comprehensive process to develop this roadmap. During Phase 1, we gathered insights from key stakeholders including University leaders, deans of schools and research units, directors of pan-campus centers and institutes, and faculty members deeply involved in research activities. We conducted a campus-wide survey and held many stakeholder group discussions to determine how to move forward. Within the OVCR, we analyzed data from the survey and stakeholder meetings to draft the Research Roadmap, which we then vetted with our key stakeholders and University leadership to finalize.

Together, we worked to identify areas of strength, opportunities for improvement, and strategies to amplify Carolina’s research impact. In addition, we ensured that the roadmap is synergistic with current strategic efforts being led by the Chancellor, the Provost, and other vice chancellors. For example, our priorities intersect with the four areas of focus put forward by Interim Chancellor Roberts: Enrollment, Master Plan, Applied Science, and Generative AI.

The resulting product is responsive to those needs and aspirations for Carolinaʼs research future that our stakeholders identified during the planning phase. Our thorough process has led to a strong and well-conceived plan that will benefit campus and allow us to do more impactful work that changes and saves lives in North Carolina and beyond.

Research Roadmap: Strategic Priorities

Enhance Research Assets

Fundraising for state-of-the-art research facilities, equipment, data & technology

Sustainable funding models for technology & equipment

Re-imagine research cores

Promote Growth & Opportunity

Campus Alignment & Prioritization (supporting Chancellor priorities)

Support for major funding opportunities

Mechanisms to drive Collaborative/Convergent Science

Maximize Value & Impact

Stakeholder engagement & stewardship (ROI/value)

Enhance community-engaged and applied research

Discovery and translation ecosystem

Implementation

Research touches almost all aspects of the University. Any given research project relies on partnership with many operational units across campus. For this reason, we approach implementation in a systems framework that engages key partners in research, notably, Vice Chancellors who are responsible for Finance & Operations, Innovation, and Development, as well as leaders from Carolina’s schools and colleges. Our collaborative engagement with key campus stakeholders throughout the Roadmap’s development means that we have willing campus partners who are invested in its success and who see benefits of campus alignment around strategic research goals.

Enter Phase 2 – the implementation phase. In May 20024, will began to invite campus stakeholders to join implementation workgroups. Three implementation teams are focused on each of the three strategic goals. These teams include key partners from across campus, fostering a collaborative approach to ensure success. Two additional implementation teams are focused on the two operational imperatives.

Who We Are & How We Will Move Forward

From our comprehensive stakeholder engagement in the strategic planning, it became clear that three guiding principles are essential in how we move forward:

• Accelerate our growth and competitiveness
• Innovate so that our research makes even greater impact on society
• Transform our research enterprise to be more nimble and efficient

Guided by our principles, we will be purposeful and strategic in how we engage our research community as we implement the Roadmap.

At the same time, we will continue our broader goal to serve the entire Carolina research community. The OVCR manages all aspects of the University’s research activity including advocating for and promoting research across all fields of study and research areas. Any improvements we create and implement will be broadly beneficial to campus.

The Future is Bright

The Research Roadmap is designed to ensure that Carolina’s research will continue to make a significant impact across our state and the world.