The University of Windsor will further integrate research into the student learning experience under a plan approved by Senate at its February 10 meeting.

The Strategic Research Plan will extend over a five-year period ending in December 2016. It provides a framework for the development of plans related to research and creative activity specific to each faculty as well as detailed plans for their implementation.

According to the document, “the University will act to develop its research culture and increase the level of its research intensity while further integrating research as part of the student’s learning experience.”

The plan is general and overarching out of necessity, said vice-president research Ranjana Bird. By not being too specific, it allows all departments to identify with one or more of the performance metrics, which will “help measure its progress in achieving its research objectives and competitiveness nationally and internationally.”

The plan outlines five main objectives:

• Build on established research strengths and pursue new strategic opportunities;
• Attract, develop and retain highly qualified faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows and supporting staff;
• Foster excellence, collaboration, and the integration of research with education and with societal needs;
• Identify, strengthen and prioritize the University’s existing and emerging areas of research excellence on an evolving basis; and,
• Sustain and further develop an infrastructure that supports the University’s strategic research and creative activities.

According to the plan: “In the current climate universities are regarded as key institutions driving social change and development, in addition to the important role of producing highly skilled and qualified people and generating new knowledge.”

Read the Strategic Research Plan document.

— by Tanya Michel