It has now been approximately one month since I started a new position as Executive Lead Research at Algoma University. Since this is a new position for the institution, I think it’s important to regularly clarify why it is relevant. As such, this blog is an opportunity for me to reflect on my activities in this position and to communicate openly with the University community.
Algoma University has a solid vision for what it wants to achieve in Research and Innovation, reflected in its strategic plan. However, specific short and long-term objectives and key metric indicators for the Research Lead and the Office of Research need to be developed for direction and accountability. I am doing this using a three pronged approach. First, by considering the current budget and thinking about future budget needs for the office. Second, by working with my team, Sue Harnden and Tiffany Gallivan), who have a wealth of experience and, third, by hearing from my colleagues in the three Faculties and Institutes. To this effect, over the next few weeks I will be meeting with the Faculties and Institutes to hear their opinion on the following: 1) actions the University needs to take through the Office of Research; 2) things the Office can do to serve everyone better; 3) particular institutional partnerships we should be considering; and 4) any additional ways the Office of Research and faculty can work together.
Over the past month, a number of specific activities and projects were initiated:
Internal
The institutional webpage dedicated to research has been and will continue to be updated and improved
We are hiring an intern to enhance our capacity to work on specific projects (e.g., seeking specific community partnerships that can result in student research opportunities)
We created a shared online document and folder where faculty can list and upload their publications and scholarly work. This will be used to for the creation of materials (e.g., a newsletter) for external communications. Considering that Algoma University prides itself on engaging its students in research, student co-authors will be highlighted
We created a new logo and a new Twitter account for the Office of Research which can be found @algomaresearch . Our motto is - ‘The Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences - travelling from the past into the future’
Celebrating research success is important to ensure that those involved know they are valued and that everyone knows about all the great projects and talent we have at the University.
This month we started working on a nomination for highly prestigious award in the Humanities.
We are reinstating the Algoma University Seminar Series after Senate. The goal is to rotate speakers among the three Faculties and we will have an annual budget to allow inviting external speakers.
We are initiating a project that will result in the production of professionally designed posters highlighting individual faculty expertise for all faculty. These posters will be displayed near each appropriate department across our campuses
We provided support in the search process for a Canada Research Chair nomination
Partnerships
We are in the process of strengthening our partnership with the Sault Ste. Marie Academic Medical Association
Planning was initiated to create a (goal driven) research network with Research and Academic institutions in the community
We are pursuing external funding for a new Research Chair in an area that can better position Algoma University as a leader in a specific area that is critical to the local economy.
