TWU Strategic Research PlanFaculty Town Hall on the Development of a 6th Research Theme

January 19, 2012 | Research & Academic Support Senate Subcommittee (RAS)

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Objectives

To raise awareness about the purpose & significance of “Research Themes” to TWU researchers

To surface existing, robust research programs that do not fit under current Research Themes

To assist faculty to determine the relationship between their own research program and current or potential Research Themes

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Role of RAS• RAS Terms of Reference # 2: • “Receives & ensures the evaluation of strategic academic

research & scholarship plans from ORPFD & designated areas”

• Related goals for 2011/12: • To review the need for the addition of a 6th Research Theme• To help establish processes for regular evaluation of SRG • To help develop faculty consultative processes

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What are Research Themes?

Areas of research priority

Part of each university Strategic Research Plan • SRPs are generally drafted to address the requirements of

the CRC & CFI programs • Link to Canada Research Chair Site• Link to TWU Strategic Research Plan

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Example: Dalhousie

Objective of SRP: “to maintain and build capacity for excellent research in areas of

current strength or emerging strategic opportunities that are of importance to the region; recruit outstanding scholars

to Dalhousie; enhance research networking and collaboration in the

institution and region, as well as nationally and internationally; provide an excellent training environment for highly qualified people; and achieve translation

of research results for the benefit of society.” (Dalhousie, 2008)

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TWU Major Research Themes Strategic Research Plan (2010)

Interdisciplinary studies in religion, culture & ethics

Texts & the historical development of Judaism & early Christianity

Biotechnology

Health & its determinants

Ecosystem health & dynamics

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Why do Research Themes matter?

For universities• Access CRC & CFI programs• Profile areas of research excellence• Attract highly qualified researchers & students

For researchers• Strengthen applications for CRC • Strengthen applications for national funding• Strengthen applications for internal funding

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TWU Research Chair AllocationTYPE AREA TIER DISCIPLINE

Canada Research Chair

Dead Sea Scrolls 1 Religious Studies

Canada Research Chair

Interpretation, Religion and Culture

2 Special English

Canada Research Chair

Developmental Genetics and Disease

2 Special Biology

*Canada Research Chair

Quality of Life of People with Chronic Life-limiting Illness

2 Special Nursing

Geneva Chair Worldview Studies

John William Wevers Chair

Septuagint Studies Religious Studies

* anticipated

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Examples of Research ThemesRoyal Roads (2011)

1. Biotechnology & Genomics 2. Human Health & Genomics3. Neuroscience & Cognitive Systems4. Population Health, Services &

Human Development5. Microelectronics & Information

Technology6. Quantum Structures & Information7. Nanoscience Cluster8. Origins & Mathematical Structure9. Society in Global Context 10. Culture & its Representation 11. Sustainability/ Environment

UBC (2006)

1. Innovative Learning2. Sustainable Communities, Livelihoods

& the Environment3. Thriving Organizations

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UBCO (2009-2014)

1. Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance

2. Health, Culture and Diversity3. Indigenous Communities and

Contemporary Issues4. Innovations in Teaching and Learning5. Innovative Systems, Technologies

and Processes6. Managed Land Use, Agriculture and

Natural Products7. Sustainable Environments and

Populations8. Understanding Community, Narrative

and Identity

UNBC (2010)

1. Environment and Natural Resources2. Community Development3. Northern, Rural and Environmental

Health4. First Nations and Indigenous Studies

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UVIC (2006-2010)

1. Biomolecular analysis and applications to biotechnology, health, and the

2. environment3. Cognition and learning4. Creative arts and culture5. Cultural knowledge and indigenous

research6. Environment, Oceans, and Climate -

Science and Policy7. Global politics and economics8. Health and society9. Information technologies10. Mathematical and computational

modelling and design11. Matter and energy

Uleth (2011-2016)

1. Creativity & Performance2. Organizations, Culture & Society3. Earth & Environment4. Health Futures5. Origins & Explanations

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U of A (2010)

1. Social Sciences, Humanities & Fine Arts (13 subthemes) • e.g., “transforming research in

education”2. Informational & Communications

Technologies (3) 3. Life Sciences (13) 4. Materials & Interfaces (3)5. Natural Resources (7)6. Agricultural & Environmental

Sciences (5)7. Pure Sciences (5)

Dalhousie (2008)

1. Health Sciences (3)2. Ocean Studies (3)3. Information & Communication

Technology (4)4. Energy (5)5. Society & Culture (2)6. Cross-cutting themes (2)• Environmental studies• High performance computing

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SFU (2010-15)

1. Origins2. Communication, Computation &

Technology3. Culture, Society & Human Behaviour4. Economic Organization, Public Policy

& the Global Community5. Environment, Resources &

Conservation6. Health & Biomedical Sciences7. Pedagogy

U Manitoba (2009)

1. Applied Nutritional Sciences2. Archeology3. Astronomy4. Biomedical Sciences5. Engineering & Information

Technology/ Services6. Canadian History7. Environmental & Resource

Sciences8. Globalization & Cultural Studies9. Materials Science10. Subatomic Physics11. Population & Community Health12. Sustainable Agriculture13. Systems Biology

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TWU Major Research Themes REVIEW

Interdisciplinary studies in religion, culture & ethics

Texts & the historical development of Judaism & early Christianity

Biotechnology

Health & its determinants

Ecosystem health & dynamics

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Discussion:• What are TWU’s long-standing areas of special emphasis?• What are TWU’s important, developing themes?• Are there new cross-cutting themes throughout university?

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Reflection:

Does my research program• Fit with one of the current Research Themes?

• Have strong potential to contribute to the development of a new Research Theme?

• Require a fit with a Theme to meet my scholarship goals?

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Where to go from here?

Is TWU ‘ready’ for a new theme?

If so, how shall this be decided? • RAS mandate: to receive & ensure the evaluation of strategic

academic research & scholarship plans

• RAS role: to support the development of consultative processes related to regular evaluation of SRPs & Research Themes