Research today is advancing within a rapidly shifting landscape—from evolving federal requirements to significant changes in funding priorities across major agencies. In this environment, clarity is essential. In the Office of the Vice President for research our focus is on helping researchers understand what’s changing, what it means for their work, and how to respond with confidence. That includes offering practical tools like the newly released Faculty Guide to DOD Funding from the AME Lab, designed to help faculty navigate opportunities and align proposals with agency priorities.

At the same time, we continue to expand access to funding, programs, and support that move research forward. New opportunities in areas like AI and the humanities, internal seed funding programs, and initiatives like the VPR-NSF Cohort are all designed to strengthen proposal development and position researchers for long-term success. Across each of these efforts, the goal is the same: to connect insight to action and ensure researchers have the resources, guidance, and community support needed to sustain momentum and drive meaningful impact.

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research