VP research and innovation launches community consultations about a new strategic research plan

Vice-President Research and Innovation (VPRI) Robert Haché officially launched a series of community consultations on a new Strategic Research Plan for the University at an open forum held on Oct. 11 in the Senate Chamber at the Keele campus.

York community members attended the open forum to discuss the plan that will articulate the priorities and vision for the future of York research over the next five years. The open forum provided an opportunity for community members to learn more about the consultation process and the goals for the plan.

“These community consultations are an important part of a process to develop the plan,”  said Haché. “The goals of the consultation process are to engage the York community in an open, collaborative and ongoing discussion about the University’s core research values to develop a plan that is meaningful to the community.”

Participants shared their thoughts and concerns in a lively and engaging discussion. The following were among the comments offered by those present at the open forum:

• The desire to break down silos, further emphasizing cross- and interdisciplinary work within the plan.
• The focus on innovation, which is happening across the campus and gaining profile, as a new opportunity within the plan.
• An emphasis on experiential learning as a bridge between research and education, with ideas of community, access, diversity, inclusion, connectedness and engagement.
• An emphasis on how to ensure integration of the Markham Centre campus into the overall research aspirations of the University.

Additional topics included artificial intelligence, altmetrics, knowledge mobilization and the York Research Chairs.

As part of the ongoing nature of the consultation process, York students, staff and faculty are invited to continue the discussion with Haché through upcoming community chats. The community chats are intended to be unstructured feedback sessions across the University to discuss the Strategic Research Plan development with the VPRI.

Upcoming community chats will be held as follows:

For more information on the community chats and the Strategic Research Plan, click here.