Roundtables Planned to Discuss Research Expansion at UAlbany

A woman wearing glassesholding a binder and pen walks forward with a man wearing glasses and a jacket in a hallway.
UAlbany is hosting a series of roundtables to discuss its efforts to transform the Division for Research and Economic Development. (Photo by Mark McCarty)

By Michael Parker

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 21, 2023) — The University at Albany is hosting a series of three roundtables to discuss its efforts to transform the Division for Research and Economic Development. The forums will focus on plans to develop and expand the University’s research enterprise.

The forums follow the 2022 unveiling of the $200 million Albany Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Initiative, plans to hire 27 new faculty members specializing in AI, as well as planned reunification of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering with the University.

Designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as an R1 research university, UAlbany is among the 146 institutions in the nation identified as having “very high research activity.” The University also recently contracted with the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) to review its research enterprise and provide recommendations to guide the development of efficient and forward-looking world-class research infrastructure and services.

“To maintain and grow UAlbany’s research activity the University needs an R1-level research infrastructure,” said Vice President for Research and Economic Development Thenkurussi (Kesh) Kesavadas. “In addition, increases in the availability of federal funding, new faculty hires, and workforce challenges are putting pressure on the current enterprise. These pressures are not unique to UAlbany. What is unique is our collective effort to transform this enterprise.”

The roundtable meetings will be held beginning Wednesday, March 29, and run through April 4. Registration is now open for those who would like to participate.

One meeting is scheduled on each of the University’s three campuses:

  • Wednesday, March 29, 2:30 – 4 p.m. in the Campus Center Boardroom
  • Friday, March 31, 9:30 –11 a.m. on the Downtown Campus in Milne 200
  • Tuesday, April 4, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Health Sciences Campus Auditorium

The University has also launched a Research Transformation Steering Committee with members from UAlbany and from peer institutions to guide the work in the areas of faculty outreach and engagement, digital transformation, processes and Research Foundation employee engagement and development.

The University has also established an IDEAS Portal to provide any comments, share concerns and to make suggestions.