Executive Summary
The Office for Research & Economic Development’s (ORED) Strategic Plan (Plan) outlines a pathway to elevate UA’s position as a national leader in student education and training, research excellence, and economic impact. Driven by a mission to cultivate an environment of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a particular emphasis on fields addressing pressing societal needs and economic drivers for Alabama, ORED will support pioneering research and scholarly activities and expand strategic relationships.
The primary objective of the Plan is to promote interdisciplinary collaboration across UA’s campus by building on the solid foundations in the University’s academic units, centers, and signature institutes. Recognizing that today’s complex challenges require insights from multiple disciplines, ORED will foster a culture where researchers from diverse fields converge. Moreover, the Plan underscores the need to diversify the research portfolio, building on solid existing support while expanding engagements with additional state and federal funders along with industry and philanthropic sponsorships. By broadening its base, UA will increase its capacity to undertake a wider range of research initiatives, driving interdisciplinary growth and bolstering resilience against shifts in funding priorities.
The Plan emphasizes the importance of developing a robust infrastructure to support large-scale projects and interdisciplinary teams. By investing in administrative, educational, technological, and collaborative resources, ORED will create a seamless research environment where faculty, students, and researchers can focus on groundbreaking discoveries, with minimal bureaucratic procedural hurdles. Enhancing infrastructure will enable UA researchers to pursue ambitious projects, foster smooth collaboration with internal and external teams, and increase efficiency. In tandem, ORED is committed to broadening relationships with industry, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. These relationships will drive innovation and workforce development within Alabama while providing valuable insights into industry needs.
A critical focus of the Plan is advancing research efforts aligned with national security, a key component of the state’s research and economic development engine. We will leverage UA’s strengths in fields such as materials science, water security, and quantum science to address complex security challenges impacting both national safety and economic stability. By establishing secure research facilities and initiating appropriate training and certification programs, UA will serve as a trusted environment for sensitive research. Additionally, the University will attract top talent through a dedicated fellowship program for national security scholars, further establishing UA as a key contributor to the defense sector.
This Plan provides a path for sustained growth and influence. By fostering collaboration, enhancing infrastructure, expanding industry connections, and addressing national security needs, UA will serve as a transformative force in the research landscape, contributing significantly to both academic advancement and societal progress. The University’s ambitions for 2030 include increasing total external awards, enhancing the recognition of its faculty through a higher number of honorific awards, and elevating UA’s scholarly output, with a particular focus on publishing in high-impact factor journals and creating transformative intellectual property.
Together, these initiatives will cement UA’s reputation as a leading institution for groundbreaking research and impactful contributions and position the University as a research leader as it enters its bicentennial in 2031!
Vision
To cultivate and foster an environment of operational excellence, strategic collaboration, and sustainable growth that empowers scholars to create transformative knowledge, positioning The University of Alabama as a globally recognized research epicenter and catalyst for economic development.
Core Principles
- Fiscal Responsibility: Ensure the transparent, strategic, and efficient use of financial resources to steward research excellence and enhance UA’s national and global recognition. Adapt financial strategies and resource distribution in response to evolving institutional priorities and funding landscapes.
- Accountability: Assume full responsibility for actions, making decisions that align with UA’s core values while continuously evaluating our impact on students, the state, and the nation.
- Collaboration: Focus on the power of working together across disciplines, fostering collaborations that drive innovation, enhance the student experience, and inspire positive change.
- Transformative Programs: Design and implement programs prioritizing sustainable long-term effect, aiming to create enduring benefits for the research community. Embrace bold, creative approaches, constantly seeking ways to redefine what is possible and inspire progress in the academic, translational, and economic development worlds.
- Stewardship with Integrity: Commit to the highest standards of honesty and transparency, ensuring trust and respect in every decision and interaction. Value the unique contributions and well-being of every individual, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Strategic Objectives
- Objective #1. Promote Additional Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Objective #2. Develop Robust Infrastructure to Support Large-Scale Teams and Projects
- Objective #3. Broaden Collaborations with Industry
- Objective #4. Advance Research Efforts Aligned with National Security
Metrics
Each Strategic Objective has five Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with the objective. Year 1 (i.e., Calendar Year 2025) will be used to benchmark the baseline quantitative metrics for each of these KPIs. After this baseline process occurs, specific goals will be targeted for 2026 and beyond.