News Headlines

Research & Innovation Seed Grant 2025 Program launch, November 6 workshop

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:20:39 +0000

Research & Innovation Seed Grant 2025 Program launch, November 6 workshop Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/22/2024 - 08:20

The Research & Innovation Seed Grant program—designed to stimulate new areas of research, scholarship and creativity on the University of Colorado Boulder campus—is accepting proposals through Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

Seed Grant Info Session

When: Wednesday, Nov. 6, 12–1 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Zoom

Do you have an idea for a project, but aren’t sure what types of projects receive funding? Join RIO and grantees for this virtual workshop to learn the “ins and outs” of the program and how to succeed. Past recipients will discuss their winning strategies, and RIO staff will cover the important requirements and timeline.

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) is hosting a Nov. 6 virtual workshop to help applicants strengthen proposals in advance of the Jan. 20 deadline.

Research & Innovation Seed Grants, now up to $60K, support creative, and sometimes high-risk, high-reward initiatives including team development proposals for future large collaborative research projects. Proposed projects may take a variety of forms and will represent an investment in advancing the university’s future research, scholarly or creative activities.

RIO encourages proposals from all disciplines at �� Boulder, especially those involving inter- or multidisciplinary collaboration, projects in emerging fields, and activities that support diversity, equity and inclusion.

Projects to establish or leverage external partnerships (e.g. industry, national labs, universities, community nonprofits, etc.) are also welcomed. See the guidelines for full details.

Proposals are reviewed in the categories below to allow faculty from all disciplines the opportunity to compete successfully, even if their discipline is not traditionally connected to sponsored research.

Arts & Humanities
Basic Physical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences
Engineering & Applied Sciences
External Partnerships
Geological & Environmental Sciences
Social Sciences & Professional Schools

Previous funded projects include those from Law, Engineering, Geological Sciences, Integrative Physiology, Sociology, Environmental Studies and Theatre & Dance, among many other disciplines. A complete list of previous seed grant recipients and funded projects is available on the Research & Innovation Seed Grant webpage.

Seed grant projects have been remarkably successful in attracting follow-on funding outside of the university. Millions in public and private funding have been awarded to further develop programs jumpstarted by these seed grants.

Apart from financial returns, the positive impacts of seed grant funding are significant, including for the arts and humanities. New data and cross-campus collaborations are often achieved, opening opportunities that may otherwise not come to fruition. Funded projects also provide undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and other investigators with formative research and creative work experiences.

Submit your proposal by Jan. 20

If you are developing an innovative research project that represents an investment in the scholarly or artistic vitality of �� Boulder, RIO welcomes you to submit a proposal. Faculty from across disciplines will be judged in categories designed to allow all fields an opportunity to compete successfully.

Learn how to succeed at the Nov. 6 Research & Innovation Seed Grant information session.

For full Research & Innovation Seed Grant application details and requirements, visit the Research & Innovation Seed Grant webpage. Questions can be directed to rioseedgrant@colorado.edu.

The Research & Innovation Seed Grant program—designed to stimulate new areas of research, scholarship and creativity on the University of Colorado Boulder campus—is accepting proposals through Monday, Jan. 20, 2025.

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State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise: A year of record funding, innovative achievements and investments in future impact

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:02:38 +0000

State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise: A year of record funding, innovative achievements and investments in future impact Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 10/18/2024 - 15:02

At the annual State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise presentation—the kick-off event for the 2024 Research & Innovation Week—Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene shared funding trends and opportunities, insights gleaned from the last year, key accomplishments and investments for increased impact in the future from the university’s research and innovation enterprise.

During the Oct. 14 talk held at the Sustainability, Energy and Environment Community (SEEC) on East Campus, Ruzzene covered topics ranging from the past year’s performance to the strategic investments that will propel the record-breaking enterprise into an even more impactful future, benefitting �� Boulder students, faculty and the public.

Watch now:

[video:https://youtu.be/OX6gQ0fYtho?si=EvPGBeUR4IpLfHhl]

Highlights from the State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise presentation

Reaffirming a commitment to being the driving force behind a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem emanating from Colorado’s Front Range, with far-reaching impact on the state, the nation and beyond
�� Boulder garnered a record $742 million in research funding during FY24
Research funding continues to compare favorably with R1 and AAU peers, more than doubling since 2013, when funding totaled $351 million
Achievements and continuing progress in embracing diversity, equity and inclusion as a strategy to increase impact
Administrative advances that are streamlining processes required to ensure success, integrity and transparency in research
Spotlighting the impact of the university’s 12 research institutes—in research funding, breadth of expertise and benefit to the public
Reporting some of the key accomplishments and investments in key research areas of space, climate, health and quantum, as well as the arts and humanities
Providing insights into strategic initiatives: AB Nexus, the ��bit Quantum Initiative, the Center for National Security Initiatives and the new Sustainability Initiative
Success stories reflecting research successes leading to innovative market solutions that create jobs and broad public benefits, including a record 35 startups created from �� Boulder discoveries last year

Explore the information and resources available through the Research & Innovation Office.

At the annual presentation, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene shared key accomplishments and investments for increased impact in the future from the university’s research and innovation enterprise.

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124th Distinguished Research Lecture to explore impact of climate change on mammal, insect populations in Colorado mountains

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:32:15 +0000

124th Distinguished Research Lecture to explore impact of climate change on mammal, insect populations in Colorado mountains Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/15/2024 - 16:32

In her Distinguished Research Lecture, �� Boulder Professor Christy McCain (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) will highlight how certain traits in some mammal and insect populations indicate who is at greatest risk from climate change.

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David, Dusinberre, Lawrence-Sanders share fellowship insights during faculty celebration

Anonymous — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:48:09 +0000

David, Dusinberre, Lawrence-Sanders share fellowship insights during faculty celebration Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:48

Chris Yankee

On Sept. 10, the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) hosted a Fellowship Writing Success Stories virtual panel featuring three prominent faculty members who shared their personal journeys and strategies for successful fellowship applications.

The event, part of RIO’s Fall Fellowships Writing & Peer Editing Program, offered valuable insights and inspiration to faculty looking to strengthen their own proposals. It was also a snapshot of �� Boulder’s excellence in a range of disciplines spanning the arts and humanities and the social sciences.

The panel showcased Emmanuel David of Women & Gender Studies, Elspeth (Beth) Dusinberre of Classics and Ashleigh Lawrence-Sanders of History. Each of the featured faculty detailed their fellowship writing experiences and the program’s support that boosted their applications, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that contributed to their success.

On Sept. 10, the Research & Innovation Office hosted a virtual panel featuring three prominent faculty members who shared their personal journeys and strategies for successful fellowship applications.

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Faculty research leaders: Research & Innovation Office Faculty Fellows applications open

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 22:38:38 +0000

Faculty research leaders: Research & Innovation Office Faculty Fellows applications open Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/19/2024 - 16:38

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) has opened RIO Faculty Fellows 2025 cohort applications, which will be accepted through November 8. Selections will be announced in November.

RIO Faculty Fellows identifies tenured and tenure-track professors who are poised to lead significant collaborative projects, develop vision and deliver novel and impactful scholarly work. The cohort-based program framework includes both retreats and periodic shorter meetings, as well as the development of a scholarly network that extends beyond the formal training itself.

“I’ve seen firsthand how this program makes a difference for our faculty in their personal and career development,” said Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene. “I’ve participated in retreats with the Faculty Fellows and experienced how the program impacts the future performance of the Fellows individually, in addition to the collective impact the program has on our campus community.”

I’ve participated in retreats with the Faculty Fellows and experienced how the program impacts the future performance of the Fellows individually, in addition to the collective impact the program has on our campus community.”

—Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and Dean of the Institutes Massimo Ruzzene

The program aims to identify a network of �� Boulder research leaders who are experts in their respective fields and equip them with the skills and capacity to lead collaborations across campus while also strengthening the university’s reputation nationally and globally through new collaborations beyond the campus.

RIO Faculty Fellows engages fellows as individuals and as a cohort on:

Research and creative work leadership
Collaboration and systems thinking
Team building and academic management
Scholarly communication and values
Personal and professional coaching

Complementing other prominent faculty leadership programs on campus, the RIO Faculty Fellows program is an investment in �� Boulder faculty and in the university as a global leader in research, innovation and impact.

Please visit the Faculty Fellows website to learn more or submit an application, or contact Kirsten Rowell with additional questions at kirsten.rowell@colorado.edu.

In their own words

“This program enables faculty to expand their capacity for effective leadership in a way that directly benefits their research groups, departments and institutes, and the university as a whole. It also facilitates connections among faculty from diverse backgrounds who are likely to ascend to campus leadership positions.”—2023 cohort member

“The program taught me essential skills for leading my group, working with colleagues and assuming leadership.”—2024 cohort member

“The RIO Faculty Fellows program is a unique program that provides space and time to expand one's professional network across campus, to reflect on goals and consider strategies for accomplishing them, to engage in reflective practice to check in with self/self-assessment, and to build/deepen/be reminded of tangible, useful skills/concepts to support strong leadership practices.”—2023 cohort member

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) has opened RIO Faculty Fellows 2025 cohort applications, which will be accepted through November 8. Selections will be announced in November.

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McCain, Nagle honored with Distinguished Research Lectureships

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:45:01 +0000

McCain, Nagle honored with Distinguished Research Lectureships Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 09/16/2024 - 10:45

Christy McCain of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the �� Museum of Natural History and Jamie Nagle of Physics have been recognized with 2024-25 Distinguished Research Lectureships.

The Lectureship is among the most esteemed honors bestowed by the faculty upon a faculty member at �� Boulder. Each year, the Research & Innovation Office solicits nominations from faculty for the Distinguished Research Lectureship, and a faculty review panel recommends one faculty member as a recipient. Two faculty members were selected for the 2024—25 academic year.

Christy McCain (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; �� Museum of Natural History)

Christy McCain is a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology and curator of vertebrates in the �� Museum of Natural History.

McCain received dual bachelor’s degrees in wildlife biology and studio art from Humboldt State University, was a natural resources & protected areas specialist in the Peace Corps Honduras, and then completed her doctorate in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Kansas.

She was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Center for Ecological Analysis & Synthesis at UC Santa Barbara prior to her assistant professorship at �� Boulder in 2008.

McCain studies how montane organisms are distributed on mountains around the world, and how those populations and species are influenced by human land use and climate change. Her research spans topics across ecology and evolution to understand and conserve biodiversity.

Funded by the National Science Foundation through several grants, her research has appeared in over 60 peer reviewed journals, including Science, Ecology Letters, Ecology and Global Change Biology among others.

McCain is the curator of the Vertebrate Collections in the �� Museum of Natural History where she is a steward for the continued protection and use of museum specimens for understanding and conserving the world’s biodiversity. She also teaches Mammalogy as well as various classes over the years in field biology, creative conservation messaging, and mountain ecology and conservation.

Jamie Nagle (Physics)

Jamie Nagle is a professor in the Department of Physics.

Nagle received his bachelor’s degree in physics, with a minor in political science, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his doctorate in physics from Yale University.

He was a postdoctoral scientist and then, a year later, an assistant professor at Columbia University before joining the faculty at �� Boulder in 2003.

Nagle is interested in the nuclear physics interactions that dominated the earliest universe, just microseconds after the big bang. He studies this early-universe matter—made of subatomic particles, quarks and gluons—in the laboratory by creating tiny droplets of this substance at large accelerator facilities in the U.S and Europe.

Funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Science through several grants including an Outstanding Junior Investigator award, his research has appeared in over 700 peer reviewed journals, including Nature Physics, Physical Review Letters, and Genetics.

Nagle has served on the U.S. Nuclear Science Advisory Committee, the Brookhaven Program Advisory Committee and as Lead Referee on the Large Hadron Collider Committee. He has also been an Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, Nordea Bank Visiting Scholar, Fellow of the American Physical Society, and Co-Spokesperson for the PHENIX Experiment. He is currently Run Coordinator for the PHENIX Experiment. In his spare time, Jamie is a marathon runner and has completed all the world marathon majors.

The lectures

Details about the lectures, both of which will be held during the academic year, will be shared in �� Boulder Today as they become available.

Christy McCain of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the �� Museum of Natural History and Jamie Nagle of Physics have been recognized with 2024-25 Distinguished Research Lectureships.

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�� Boulder announces search for executive director to lead new Sustainability Research Initiative

Anonymous — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 17:01:05 +0000

�� Boulder announces search for executive director to lead new Sustainability Research Initiative Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 09/13/2024 - 11:01

The University of Colorado Boulder is taking bold steps to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges. A core component of this ambition is the newly established Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI), a strategic effort to advance research in sustainability and resilience.

�� Boulder is seeking an Executive Director for the SRI to accelerate the university's efforts to become a national leader in environmental resilience and sustainability research.

The Executive Director will play a critical role in expanding �� Boulder’s sustainability research portfolio and guiding the strategic direction of the SRI. This new position will report directly to the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation and will maintain a close, dotted-line relationship with the inaugural Vice Chancellor for Sustainability.

Learn More and Apply

�� the Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI)

The SRI is being established to support �� Boulder’s sustainability goals by fostering research across a broad spectrum of disciplines, as well as elevating the expertise and efforts of �� Boulder’s diverse academic departments, research centers, and institutes. The SRI will drive interdisciplinary research and innovation by uniting the university’s expertise in earth sciences, engineering, energy, environmental policy and ethics, business and more.

The initiative is a key part of �� Boulder’s long-term sustainability strategy, which includes reducing the university’s environmental footprint, promoting resilience, and addressing the most pressing global sustainability issues.

SRI Executive Director

The Executive Director will be instrumental in shaping the initiative’s future by its leading strategic development and operational management. This role will involve:

Strategic Leadership: Guiding the SRI to align with �� Boulder’s overarching sustainability, environmental reslience and climate action goals.
Partnership Development: Cultivating key internal and external partnerships with government agencies, industry leaders, academic institutions and philanthropic organizations to secure significant external funding for groundbreaking research, technology commercialization and deployment of sustainability solutions.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Integrating diverse academic perspectives from �� Boulder’s colleges, institutes and research centers to foster a collaborative research environment that promotes innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.
Research Expansion: The Executive Director will create pathways for faculty and researchers to expand the impact of their sustainability research, enhancing the university’s statewide, national and global influence.

Join �� Boulder in driving sustainability innovation

If you are passionate about leading interdisciplinary research and collaboration to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, �� Boulder invites you to apply for the position of Executive Director of the Sustainability Research Initiative.

Learn More and Apply

The University of Colorado Boulder is taking bold steps to address today’s most pressing environmental challenges. A core component of this ambition is the Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI), a new strategic effort to advance research in sustainability and resilience.

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Fall faculty research development events include PI Academy, Broader Impacts Expo, NASA Day and more

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 20:40:21 +0000

Fall faculty research development events include PI Academy, Broader Impacts Expo, NASA Day and more Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/15/2024 - 14:40

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO)'s Research Development team is offering a full slate of events this fall to help faculty find funding, engage with peers on core research topics, and prepare proposals for research, scholarship and creative work.

Featured Events

Faculty Panel: Fellowship Writing Success Stories (Virtual) • Tuesday, September 10 @ 12–1 p.m. Register Now
- Discover the strategies used by faculty with successful proposals and the value of reusing and repurposing proposals.
How RIO Supports You (Virtual) • Thursday, September 12 @ 1–2 p.m. Register Now
- Get an overview of RIO's various units and roles in supporting research, scholarly and creative activities at �� Boulder.
Sandia Day • Friday, September 20 @ 9 a.m.—4:30 p.m. Register Now NASA Day • Friday, September 27 @ 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Register Now
- Representatives from Sandia and NASA will be on campus for a day each full of events and multiple options for interacting.
Enhancing Mentorship through Individual Development Plans (Virtual) • Thursday, October 3 @ 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Register Now
- In line with new NSF requirements, discover how IDPs can enhance your mentoring role as a faculty member!
Broader Impacts Expo • Tuesday, October 15 @ 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Register Now
- A showcase of campus Broader Impacts partners and best practices, followed by a networking opportunity to connect with colleagues and explore available centers, staff and services.
Research & Innovation Seed Grant Information Session • Wednesday, November 6 @ 12–1 p.m. Register Now
- Grants of up to $60K are available to support inter- and multidisciplinary research, scholarship and creative projects with high potential for innovation and impact.

View Full Fall Lineup of Events

RIO welcomes new and early-career faculty to join the Principal Investigator (PI) Academy

Distinct from Thriving at �� through the Office of Faculty Affairs, the PI Academy provides a more in-depth dive into the �� Boulder research and creative work ecosystem. We encourage you to look through both programs to ensure you maximize your first few years at �� Boulder.

The Principal Investigator (PI) Academycreates a space where new and early-career faculty engage with peers on core research topics. Participants are positioned to effectively identify, apply for and secure external funding for their research, scholarly, and creative projects, while also networking with fellow researchers.

PI Academy Kickoff (Virtual) • Thursday, September 12 @ 2:30–3:30 p.m. Register Now

RIO and the PI Academy are almost too good to be true! Talking with peers and mentors at other institutions, I have been told to cherish the opportunity I have here; these are some invaluable resources. I cannot recommend RIO and the PI Academy highly enough.” —Sandra Ristovska, Assistant Professor, Media Studies

Learn More

JEDIA Scholar Learning Community invites scholars, researchers, creators and innovators to join

The community will focus on applying for justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (JEDIA) funding opportunities; developing JEDIA-related plans to meet agency requirements (e.g. NSF Broader Impacts Plans, Department of Energy PIER Plans); and fostering a safe space for scholars to engage in mutual learning and support through the following workshops:

Developing Your Broader Impact Identity • Thursday, September 12 @ 2:30–3:30 p.m. Register Now
Creating a Broader Impact Plan • Friday, October 25 @ 12–1:30 p.m. Register Now
Conducting Research with and by the Community: Sustaining Relationships • Friday, November 15 @ 12–1:30 p.m. Register Now

Up to 40 participants will receive $250 for participation in all three workshops and in the Scholar Learning Community.

Learn More

The Research & Innovation Office (RIO)'s Research Development team is offering a full slate of events this fall to help faculty find funding, engage with peers on core research topics, and prepare proposals for research, scholarship and creative work.

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�� Boulder geologists win $1M Keck Foundation award to try to solve an evolutionary puzzle

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

�� Boulder geologists win $1M Keck Foundation award to try to solve an evolutionary puzzle Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 08/08/2024 - 00:00

Why did a frozen Earth coincide with an evolutionary spurt? That's the question Lizzy Trower and Carl Simpson (Geological Sciences) aim to answer with the support of a recent award from the W.M. Keck Foundation. If they succeed, they would not only help unravel an evolutionary mystery, but also extend the temperature record of Earth by 2 billion years.

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Chancellor announces reporting shift for vice chancellor for research and innovation

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 20:35:56 +0000

Chancellor announces reporting shift for vice chancellor for research and innovation Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 08/06/2024 - 14:35

�� Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz today announced that Massimo Ruzzene, vice chancellor for research and innovation, will begin reporting directly to him, effective Aug. 30. Ruzzene currently reports to Provost Russell Moore, the chief academic officer of the campus.

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News Headlines

Research & Innovation Seed Grant 2025 Program launch, November 6 workshop

Submit your proposal by Jan. 20

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State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise: A year of record funding, innovative achievements and investments in future impact

Watch now:

Highlights from the State of the Research & Innovation Enterprise presentation

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124th Distinguished Research Lecture to explore impact of climate change on mammal, insect populations in Colorado mountains

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David, Dusinberre, Lawrence-Sanders share fellowship insights during faculty celebration

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Faculty research leaders: Research & Innovation Office Faculty Fellows applications open

In their own words

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McCain, Nagle honored with Distinguished Research Lectureships

Christy McCain (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; ���������� Museum of Natural History)

Jamie Nagle (Physics)

The lectures

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���������� Boulder announces search for executive director to lead new Sustainability Research Initiative

���������� the Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI)

SRI Executive Director

Join ���������� Boulder in driving sustainability innovation

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Fall faculty research development events include PI Academy, Broader Impacts Expo, NASA Day and more

Featured Events

RIO welcomes new and early-career faculty to join the Principal Investigator (PI) Academy

JEDIA Scholar Learning Community invites scholars, researchers, creators and innovators to join

Off

���������� Boulder geologists win $1M Keck Foundation award to try to solve an evolutionary puzzle

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Chancellor announces reporting shift for vice chancellor for research and innovation

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Christy McCain (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; �� Museum of Natural History)

�� Boulder announces search for executive director to lead new Sustainability Research Initiative

�� the Sustainability Research Initiative (SRI)

Join �� Boulder in driving sustainability innovation

�� Boulder geologists win $1M Keck Foundation award to try to solve an evolutionary puzzle