December 18, 2025
This year reminded me that research leadership carries two rhythms: the daily work that keeps our enterprise moving and the longer arcs of strategy that shape how we invest, collaborate, and plan for what’s ahead.
A Year of Alignment
In the spring, our leadership team stepped back to ask essential questions: Where are faculty facing avoidable barriers? How can funding be more predictable? Where do national priorities meet Utah’s strengths? Those conversations shaped the VPR Strategic Plan; not as a document, but as a commitment to a people-first research culture that protects discovery, accelerates translation, and strengthens national visibility.
Our town halls and small-group Q&As reinforced that commitment. Colleagues across campus came for context, clarity, and a place to ask questions together. What became clear is that when people understand the “why” behind internal processes, confidence grows and collaboration moves faster. These conversations sharpened our ability to see patterns, understand the lived realities of research, and refine our support systems.
A visit to the engineering complex this fall underscored that strategy is shaped by proximity. In the everyday movement of the building; hallway conversations, quick problem-solving, unexpected exchanges—it was clear how space and environment support collaboration. Listening directly to researchers and students illuminated both constraints and opportunity, helping guide where we focus our attention next.
Looking Ahead
Throughout 2025, I saw steady, intentional momentum driven by the discipline, imagination, and care of our research community. My role is to support that work, make it visible, and strengthen the systems that allow it to thrive. Thank you for your partnership and for your commitment to building what comes next—together.
As we close the year, I wish you and your loved ones a restorative and joyful holiday season. May the break offer time to recharge and return ready for the opportunities ahead in 2026.
If your team would like to host a brief visit or conversation in 2026, I’d welcome the invitation.
Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research
