Research Shaping What’s Next: UNC Charlotte’s Research Strategic Plan 2022-2032 (RSWN)

We are thrilled to announce the release of Research Shaping What’s Next: UNC Charlotte’s Research Strategic Plan 2022-2032 (RSWN)! 

You can view the plan website and download the document here. This release is a precursor to the anticipated exciting announcement in spring 2025 of UNC Charlotte’s elevation to Research 1 (R1) status (very high spending and doctorate production). This reflects our tremendous research growth of 272% over the last decade. We have a record $243M total active award portfolio.

RSWN maps out a vision for UNC Charlotte to become a world-class research university. The plan’s strength lies in the diverse ideas and refined articulation contributed from nearly 4,000 engagement opportunities (surveys, listening and sharing sessions) over a 16-month period. We deeply appreciate your insights and feedback during the plan’s development. 

Even as RSWN was taking focus, we were moving in strategic directions. Here are a few highlights of initiatives:

• $1M (plus $330K in matching) investment in 11 new pilot centers launched with participation from, and partnership with, all colleges 
• $1.5M distributed of $3M committed to the New Post-Doctoral Program across seven colleges 
• $1.2M distributed of $3M committed to Core Facilities 
• Hired targeted additional staff positions in the Office of Research Services and Office of Research Protections and Integrity
• Launched two new programs with broader announcements forthcoming: 1) a pilot Faculty Research Fellow Program, and 2) Large and Complex Proposal Development Support Program in the Center for Research Excellence
• Launch a national search for new leadership to seamlessly integrate pre and post award activity
• For a more comprehensive set of activities, click here.

Together, we champion research in all its forms through robust partnerships, operational excellence, a vibrant culture and synergistic collaboration of students, staff and faculty. Through this, we aspire to be a world-class research university that develops transformational solutions to society’s greatest challenges with local-to-global impact through the power of partnerships and student access and success.

Thank you for your partnership and all you do to accelerate research at UNC Charlotte,

John L. Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research

Deborah (Deb) S.K. Thomas, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research