Setting the Standard for the 21st Century - Strategic Directions

Research and Discovery

For more than 100 years, America’s public research universities have served as the engines of research and knowledge creation that addressed the great challenges facing society.

It is almost impossible in today’s world to overstate the importance of the research enterprise to economic prosperity and the quality of life for Colorado, the nation and the world. With one-third of its budget devoted to research, Colorado State values scholarly excellence, and strives to set the standard in research, scholarship and creative artistry as it addresses global problems with the capacity of a model 21st century land-grant institution.

Consider these three points:

• The applications of Colorado State’s research are universal to humanity. The most obstinate problems we face – poverty, hunger, restricted access to health care, infectious disease, environmental sustainability, access to and management of information, biosecurity, etc. – can only be addressed in an intellectual community that promotes creativity and values freedom of expression.
• The great questions we seek to answer today rely on multidisciplinary approaches that link basic and applied research in new ways. For example, a vaccine discovered by a CSU faculty member ultimately will require the expertise of economists, political scientists and public policy specialists, social scientists, linguists, ethicists, and manufacturing/distribution professionals to reach those who need it.
• Applied research is grounded in fundamental, disciplinary research and scholarship. Colorado State is committed to keeping disciplinary programs robust and at the same time bringing together disciplines in an interdisciplinary fashion to address critical issues.

In the 19th century, the mission of the nation’s research universities was to help the country survive – by providing knowledge and technology to support the agricultural, mining and engineering needs of a struggling population. During the mid-20th century, the mission focused on productivity. Today, the aim is to help society thrive in an increasingly international environment by emphasizing invention and innovation.

Three overall objectives drive our future in research and discovery:

Foster excellence in research, scholarship and creative artistry

Goal 17 – Achievement in Research and Scholarship

Increase the quantity and quality of faculty research publications, proposals, artistic and cultural performances to levels commensurate with peer institutions.

Such efforts will not only assure that we contribute to the development of new and useful knowledge – in keeping with our mission – but also expand recognition of Colorado State.

Goal 18 – External Funding

Increase externally funded research.

We will continue to encourage faculty to seek funding for basic and applied research from government, industry, foundations and individuals in the United States and abroad through innovative strategic partnerships in the United States and abroad, including agreements with international scholars and research institutes. We are committed to the use of seed money to support new faculty and research initiatives and to provide systems that support the responsible conduct of research (financial, regulatory and ethical).

Goal 19 – Economic Development

Expedite technology transfer and the commercialization of intellectual properties created by Colorado State researchers.

Colorado State already contributes to the state’s economic development by preparing workers for the labor force, by creating knowledge, and by providing venues that enhance the quality of life in the state, such as the new University Center for the Arts. We will develop closer ties to the community and foster economic development through mechanisms such as our innovative Office of Economic Development and an Office of Real Estate that will facilitate the deployment of University resources to benefit the full spectrum of society.

Improve Discovery Capabilities

Goal 20 – Research Personnel

Grow the base of research faculty and graduate research assistants, commensurate with higher levels of external funding, goals for teaching excellence, and a global perspective in our educational programs.

The quality of our research program is driven by the talent of our research faculties and staffs, which we are committed to improve in keeping with standards set forth by prestigious organizations such as the American Association of Universities (AAU). Among top priorities will be adding endowed professorships that will support key research initiatives and faculty who bring a broadened global perspective to the campus.

Goal 21 – Research Facilities

Construct and equip new laboratories and other research and library facilities and services to serve the needs of a growing research institution.

New laboratories and central, core research facilities are essential both to assure research productivity and to attract world-class research professionals. We also must develop library collections and services and IT support services at levels appropriate for each discipline in which graduate-level education and research are conducted.

Focus Research in Areas of Institutional Strength and Societal Need

Goal 22 – Superclusters

Encourage synergy, facilitate collaborative and cooperative efforts among scholars with interests in common problems, and promote CSU’s areas of excellence.

Superclusters are specially sanctioned interdisciplinary alliances that will allow us to focus key research initiatives in topical areas where Colorado State has demonstrated globally competitive expertise and potential for growth and can be especially competitive in seeking external funding. Superclusters will both draw upon and contribute strategically to other basic and applied research initiatives across campus and play a central role in addressing both domestic and global research challenges.

Superclusters will address global challenges that have very significant impacts at home. These global challenges demand a research agenda that is international in scope. Colorado State’s first supercluster will focus on infectious diseases – largely by organizing and coordinating the substantial investments we have already made in this area where we enjoy a worldwide reputation. Other superclusters will be selected based on a competitive proposal process. Although all suggestions will be welcomed, proposals will be especially encouraged from several broad areas that have already been identified in campus discussions during the strategic planning process. These include environment, agriculture/food/health/wellness, and information science and technology. The exact number of funded superclusters is yet to be determined, and superclusters might vary in terms of size, structure, management, resource needs and sources of funding. However, all superclusters will imaginatively integrate the depth and breadth of scholarship across the campus in the specified area.

Goal 23 – Issues-Based Research

Encourage scholarship that addresses pressing social, political, economic and cultural issues, both domestic and international.

A second thrust of our research emphasis will be to address global issues and challenges that are relevant to citizens and have important public policy consequences, especially for Colorado and the West. Scholarship that addresses the challenges facing minority populations and changing demographic patterns is particularly relevant.