University of Nebraska–Lincoln faculty are invited to attend the May 4 Research and Innovation Convening, an event designed to foster community, connection and collaboration.

The day’s activities are designed to be highly interactive and offer opportunities to learn from colleagues and guest panelists representing a wide range of perspectives. Attendees will hear updates from UNL leaders and learn from external partners; receive updates on the ideas generated in response to the six research identity areas; and explore interdisciplinary opportunities at the intersection of the research identity areas and cross-cutting areas of distinction. 

Registration is required to attend the Convening, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Faculty are encouraged to participate for the full day, as the sessions build upon one another. A working schedule is available on the R&I Convening webpage. Please note that this event is designed for faculty and includes faculty-driven working sessions.

“I am excited to bring together Nebraska’s research community again for a day focused on thinking big and exploring the future of research, scholarship and creative endeavors at UNL,” said Jennifer Nelson, interim vice chancellor for research and innovation. “The convening offers an opportunity to dig deeper into the research identity areas and learn from external partners who will bring new perspectives. We have a fantastic group of speakers who will help ground our conversations in the broader context in which research and innovation occur, and I’m looking forward to the rich discussions that follow.”

The day will begin with an optional breakfast and informal networking time from 7:30-8:30 a.m. The program will officially begin at 8:30 a.m. with opening remarks from Nelson and Kathy Ankerson, interim chancellor. Their talks will be followed by research identity area report-outs and related activities.

A morning panel will discuss the topic of resource mobilization. External partners will share their viewpoints on various pathways available to faculty to advance research, scholarship, creative endeavors and economic development — and why they can and should be used to advance Nebraska’s research mission. The discussion will be both educational and inspirational, Nelson said.

The following speakers and topics have been confirmed, with additional speakers to be announced soon. Following the panel discussion, participants may ask questions of the panelists during a Q&A session.

• Tony Boccanfuso, president and chief executive officer, University Industry Demonstration Partnership; industry.
• Brian Hastings, president and chief executive officer, University of Nebraska Foundation.
• Kei Koizumi, former special assistant to the president and principal deputy director for policy, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; competitive federal funding.
• Kathleen Lodl, associate dean and state 4-H program administrator, Nebraska Extension; community partnerships.

The morning will conclude with breakout activities, followed by lunch. During this time, participants will delve into the cross-cutting areas of distinction. Additional breakout activities are scheduled for early afternoon.

The afternoon panel discussion, which includes a Q&A session to follow, will build on and complement the conversation started during the morning panel talks. Panelists will share specific examples about how Nebraska has advanced through engaging in a broad set of partnership and resource mobilization strategies. They will also share their viewpoints on how discovery, innovation and creativity at UNL will continue to advance the state, nation and world.

The following speakers have been confirmed, with others to be announced soon.

• Aaron Dominguez, executive vice president and provost, The Catholic University of America; and vice chair, National Science Board.
• Alan Dostal, Nebraska Public Power District.
• Jeff Raikes, co-founder, Raikes Foundation.

Following the panel discussion, faculty will have time to share ideas about resources available and what others are needed to advance Nebraska’s research enterprise.

For questions about the R&I Convening, contact Lisa Kinkaid, events and outreach manager.

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