January 15, 2026

As we begin 2026, the research landscape is being shaped by a shared and growing expectation: that discovery matters not only for what it advances within a field, but for how it connects to the world beyond it. This is a moment that calls for ambition, work that is intellectually bold, willing to take risks, and grounded in questions that carry real significance for society.

Across higher education, there is renewed attention on research that brings together interdisciplinary expertise, crossing traditional boundaries, and contributing to solutions to complex challenges. This is not a narrowing of inquiry, but an expansion of it, an invitation to pursue ideas that are both deeply rigorous and broadly relevant, and to think intentionally about how individual projects contribute to a larger research ecosystem.

At the same time, universities are being asked to be thoughtful stewards of their research portfolios: to invest in people and ideas, to support high-reward work that may not follow a predictable path, and to create environments where creativity and strategy coexist. Institutions that do this well will be those that give researchers the space, support, and confidence to pursue transformative work.

I encourage you to think boldly about the impact of your work in the year ahead, to seek out new collaborations, and to stay engaged as we navigate this evolving landscape together.

Thank you for the energy, curiosity, and commitment you bring to your work and to the U’s research community.

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research