Posted November 24, 2025 by Office of Research and Innovation
Editor’s note: This article has been updated from an earlier version posted in late November.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln continues to develop its research identity framework, which was first introduced at the May 7 Research and Innovation Convening hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation. The framework is a response to “Odyssey to Extraordinary,” the strategic plan for the University of Nebraska System, which calls for building a strong research identity in areas of excellence.
It is important within the context of that plan to spotlight areas of strength and distinction in research, scholarship and creative endeavors at Nebraska’s comprehensive research, land-grant institution. Articulating a UNL research identity framework also will help elevate public understanding about Nebraska research, its contributions and ways partners can connect with the university.
The initial research identity framework was developed through consultation with campus leadership, including college deans, and informed by a review of UNL’s sponsored research portfolio. It defines areas of distinction in UNL’s research, scholarship and creative activities where Nebraska has the potential to lead nationally and globally.
The framework’s initial research identity areas included:
- Agriculture and Bioindustry
- Basic Mechanisms of Disease
- Material Sciences and Energy
- Social, Behavioral, Educational, and Prevention Sciences
- Transportation, Infrastructure, Robotics, and Autonomous Technologies
The framework also includes several cross-cutting areas of distinction that capture additional campus strengths and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
During the fall 2025 semester, 30 faculty members contributed to writing the draft descriptions for each identity area. The draft descriptions were then reviewed by another 24 faculty members.
Faculty are encouraged to provide feedback on the working descriptions of each research identity area and the cross-cutting areas of distinction. Input from the campus community will help ensure the identity areas reflect the full scope of expertise at UNL, as well as the unique strengths, resources and partnerships that position the university for leadership and impact.
As announced during a Nov. 6 update on the research identity area process led by Jen Nelson, interim vice chancellor for research and innovation, a sixth research identity area focused on the arts and humanities has been added to the framework. Over the past few weeks, 12 faculty members — six writers and six reviewers — helped generate a draft description of the sixth research identity area: “Creative Engagement and Cultural Heritage.”
Review the current version of the framework and provide feedback on the draft descriptions via the Qualtrics survey. The feedback form will close Jan. 16. Feedback will continue to be accepted on the descriptions of all the research identity areas and cross-cutting areas of distinction via the survey link.
Additional opportunities for engagement around UNL’s research identity areas are forthcoming, including a series of workshops in spring 2026 that will focus on developing action plans within each identity area.
If you have questions about the process to develop UNL’s research identity framework, email unlresearch@unl.edu.
