Memorial University Research Plan

1. Memorial University Research Plan Background, Process & Update February 2010

2. Memorial University Research Plan:Background (1) Memorial University Strategic Plan 2007 University’s Mission: Memorial University is an inclusive community dedicated to creativity, innovation and excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and to public engagement and service. We recognize our special obligation to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Memorial welcomes students and scholars from all over the world and contributes knowledge and shares expertise locally, nationally and internationally.

3. Memorial University Research Plan:Background (2) Memorial University Strategic Plan 2007 5 Pillars • Students • Research, Creative Activity and Scholarship • Needs of the province • Conditions for success • Institutional Responsibility

4. Memorial University Research Plan:Background (3) Research, Creative Activity and Scholarship • Vibrant culture of scholarly inquiry • All forms of research, creative activity and scholarship • Not only to advancing knowledge for its own sake but also to having the greatest national and international impact • Support the individual scholar as well as encourage multi and inter-disciplinary research collaborations

5. Memorial University Research Plan:Background (4) Research, Creative Activity and Scholarship • Focus on high need areas (Goal 8) • Research collaborations and partnerships (Goal 9) • Research environment (Goal 10) • External funding (Goal 11) • Research engagement and productivity (Goal 12)

6. Research Plan Purpose • objectives and actions considered, along with other objectives/actions from the Strategic Plan, when making decisions at all levels of the institution • add to the considerations by the SEC, D&D and Heads on matters such as: • budget proposals and allocations • recruitment and retention of faculty members and support staff • infrastructure and capital needs • strategic initiative proposals to government • growth of graduate programs • advance our research aspirations and objectives with external stakeholders and partners

7. Memorial University Research Plan:Governance & Planning Team • Executive Leads: VP(R) & VP(A) • Steering Committee: Academic Deans & Directors • Regular Updates & Input: Senate Committee on Research • External Advisory Committee • Planning Process Lead: Rob Greenwood (assigned 60%) • Consulting Support: Kevin Keough • Research Assistant: Kate Reid-Shute • Secretarial Support: Kathy Mason (60%) • Key support: CIAP, Research Office, MarCom

8. Memorial University Research Plan:Process & Timeline Target completion Spring 2010; 6 Phases: • Current research capabilities and preliminary assess. of ops. / needs / themes (Nov. 10 –Dec. 10, 2009) • Background report (targeted release Dec 2009) • 1st draft roll-up themes, common strengths / opportunities, and gaps / requirements for success (Dec. 2009 – Jan. 2010) • Theme/Cluster/Opportunity/Need Identification (January - March 2010) • Draft Plan Goals, Objectives, Actions, Targets (March - April 2010) • Plan Finalization (TBD)

9. Phase 1: Current research capabilities and preliminary assess. of ops. / needs / themes (Nov-Dec 2009) (1) • All units (24 faculties, schools, research centres not under a faculty or school) have completed Phase 1 template • With exception of CCFI (new director just started) • All are on MUN website under Research Plan • Phase 1 templates report: • Status / Issues around personnel to conduct & support research • Research Centres or Institutes used to support research • Admin./Specialized Supports • Infrastructure • Funding • Knowledge Transfer and Exchange • Current Research Strengths • Potential Research Strengths

10. Phase 1: Current research capabilities and preliminary assess. of ops. / needs / themes (Nov-Dec 2009) (2) • 2nd phase 1 template sent out before Christmas, asking for evidence to support identified strengths • # faculty, grad students, funding and other indicators in area of strength • Has resulted in some refinement of first submissions; ongoing • 17 of 24 units have submitted 2nd phase 1 template

11. Phase 2: Background report (targeted release Dec 2009) (1) • Internal and external consultation document: background information • Longer to get comparative data than expected; to be added to website as available • some best kept for internal analysis, to inform decision making • Hard to get consolidation of government and non-government research priorities • Target release (hard copy and on website): Feb. 18

12. Phase 3: 1st draft roll-up themes, common strengths / opportunities, and gaps / requirements for success (Dec. 2009 – Jan. 2010) (1) • Roll up Faculties/Schools Phase 1 template reports • Identify common themes, opportunities, gaps / requirements for success • Presentation developed with findings for internal and external consultation (built from Phases 2 and 3 findings)

13. Phase 3: 1st draft roll-up themes, common strengths / opportunities, and gaps / requirements for success (Dec. 2009 – Jan. 2010) (2) • Internal issues / requirements for success roll up still to be done (March internal sessions will need this) • Current & Potential Strengths roll up underway • 15 current possible clusters / themes identified: these will change with completion of Phase 3, and then will be subject to consultation and refinement in subsequent 3 Phases • Other identified current and potential strengths currently “stand alone” and may be integrated into current clusters/themes; may inform development of additional or different clusters/themes; or may remain stand alone strengths pursued by researchers outside priority themes • “horizontal” requirements for success elements of research plan will address supports for all research

14. Phase 4: Theme/Cluster/Opportunity/Need Identification (January - March 2010) (1) • Consultation Process • Website survey tool • Dr. Tim Jones and Research Assistant design tool, pre-test, analyze results and produce report • Internal and external stakeholders • Faculty additional questions mirror Phase 1 • All: research excellence; research relevance; funding sources; awareness of MUN research; knowledge transfer and exchange (NL; Canada; International); Values to guide research priorities

15. Phase 4: Theme/Cluster/Opportunity/Need Identification (January - March 2010) (2) • Consultation Process • St. John’s, Corner Brook, HV-GB; plus 4-5 regional sessions • Prov. Rural Secretariat offer to assist in planning, facilitation, use of live polling clicker technology, and produce session reports • provincial stakeholder sessions • Strategic Partnership (Province, Business, Labour) • Prov. Govt • Fed. Govt • MNL, NGO session(s) • key organization meetings (CNA, Aboriginal, other)

16. Phase 4: Theme/Cluster/Opportunity/Need Identification (January - March 2010) (3) • Consultation Process • Priority theme / cluster sessions • internal and external co-chairs • internal and external participants • draft goals, objectives, high level actions • Horizontal issues / conditions for success sessions • mainly internal; external where appropriate • draft goals, objectives, high level actions

17. Phases 5 & 6 Phase 5: Draft Plan Goals, Objectives, Actions, Targets (March - April 2010) Phase 6: Plan Finalization (TBD) • Details to come!

18. Comments? Questions? Suggestions?