Posted September 5, 2023 by Office of Research and Economic Development
The beginning of the fall semester brings a sense of renewed energy and purpose. With a few weeks of classes complete, I hope you’re settling into the rhythm of the semester.
![Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development](https://research.unl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/b-wilhelm-3-768x1024.jpg)
For me, fall began on an exciting note with the Aug. 28 announcement of the 2023 projects funded through the Grand Challenges Catalyst Competition. Along with Chancellor Rodney Bennett, I had the opportunity to review the proposed projects, and I was incredibly impressed by the Nebraska faculty’s innovative spirit and willingness to cross disciplines to solve pressing societal issues using novel approaches. It is through this high-impact work that Nebraska Research will make meaningful contributions to communities, our state, country and world – one of the aims outlined in the N2025 Strategic Plan.
Before looking forward to our goals for the coming year, I want to highlight some important leadership changes. The Office of Research and Economic Development filled several open positions.
- Aron Barbey became director of the Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior on Aug. 14. He joins Nebraska from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- George Gogos, Wilmer J. and Sally Hergenrader Chair of Mechanical Engineering, became director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research on Aug. 14.
- Marilyn Wolf, Elmer E. Koch Professor of Engineering, was named director for engineering and technology initiatives, effective Aug. 14.
- Jennifer Nelson, assistant vice chancellor for research, became research integrity officer on Aug. 1.
- Sam Mombou became director of the Office of Sponsored Programs on Aug. 1. He joined UNL from Northwestern University.
Faculty development is one of ORED’s highest priorities. I encourage you to participate in the many opportunities ORED offers, including the next cohort of the Research Development Fellows Program; NUtech Ventures’ Introduction to Customer Discovery Program; and the Research Partnerships workshops hosted by University Libraries in partnership with ORED. Visit the News for Researchers webpage for updates on workshops, programs, initiatives and more. Soon, I will share more about ORED’s new project management service for teams working on large-scale proposals.
I welcome your feedback on how we can best support you in your quest to become world-changing leaders, researchers and inventors.
![](https://research.unl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bob-short.jpg)
Bob Wilhelm
Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development