Posted November 13, 2025 by Office of Research and Innovation
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.
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.
Review the current version of the framework and provide feedback on the draft descriptions via the Qualtrics survey. The feedback form will close Dec. 12.
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 will be developed and added to the framework. Faculty who would like to volunteer to help write or review this research identity area description may use this form to indicate their interest.
During a writing retreat, faculty volunteers will write a description for the arts and humanities identity area. In preparation for this retreat, R&I is collecting research assets related to the arts and humanities. Faculty who would like to share information about research assets related to the arts and humanities can do so in this spreadsheet. Feedback from the wider university community will guide continued refinement of the framework and future planning.
Both the arts and humanities volunteer interest form and the asset collection spreadsheet will close Nov. 20.
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.
