Most people are drawn to research by a question they want to answer, a problem they want to solve, or an opportunity to create something new. They are motivated by discovery, scholarship, innovation, teaching, patient care, community impact, and the chance to make a difference.

The challenge for research universities today is that the environment surrounding that work is becoming increasingly complex. New requirements are emerging, expectations are evolving, and funding landscapes continue to shift. What may have been straightforward a few years ago often requires more coordination, more expertise, and more institutional support today.

Researchers are being asked to navigate research security requirements, evolving sponsor expectations, new compliance obligations, changing publication policies, and increasing scrutiny around stewardship and accountability. These responsibilities matter, but they also take time, expertise, and coordination.

That is where research capacity becomes important.

The role of the Office of the Vice President for Research is to help build the institutional capacity that allows research and scholarship to thrive. We work to strengthen the systems, partnerships, and expertise that help research teams compete for funding, meet complex obligations, and move discoveries into wider use.

The University of Utah has always been ambitious in its research goals. And what gives me confidence  to support our ambitions is our ability to adapt while continuing to deliver high-quality, high-impact work. That strength comes from the faculty, staff, students, and research teams who show up every day committed to excellence.

Thank you for everything you do to advance research, scholarship, innovation, and creative work at the University of Utah.

Erin Rothwell, PhD
Vice President for Research