UNC Research’s ability to adapt quickly has historical served us very well; however, pairing this agility with a more unified strategic approach will better position us to drive research growth, diversify our portfolio, and increase opportunities across the university.  

We will begin by developing a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of our research portfolio across key strategic priority areas to inform long-term planning and guide investment decisions. We will also create forecasting and analytical tools that provide leadership with insights into research trends, resource needs, and emerging opportunities. 

Diversifying our funding base is also essential for long-term resilience. We will expand non-federal funding by identifying new opportunities, reducing barriers to engagement, and monitoring our effectiveness. At the same time, we will strengthen institutional competitiveness for federal funding by providing targeted support and building coordinated, strategically aligned, and well-prepared teams to proactively pursue major funding opportunities.