Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research), outlines the thematic focus of the second part of the draft Strategic Research Plan at a recent town hall meeting.

Part two of the draft Strategic Research Plan details four major themes that were identified following extensive consultations with the research community.

“The thematic focus of the draft Strategic Research Plan (SRP) captures Queen’s current and emerging research strengths,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “The themes will help facilitate collaborative, interdisciplinary research, which is a focal goal of the plan within the context of continuing to value and support individual scholarship and research excellence across all academic areas.”

The four major research themes, each composed of distinct clusters, are:

Exploring human dimensions
• Exploring society, culture, and human behavior
• Enhancing human health

Understanding and sustaining the environment and energy systems
• Ecology and the natural environment
• Energy conversion systems
• Energy and environmental policy

Discovering and innovating
• Natural and physical sciences
• Materials
• Advanced technologies

Securing safe and successful societies
• Democracy, economy, and public policy
• Information and communications
• Infrastructure

The clusters within each theme identify existing and developing core research strengths based on a number of factors including research leadership and international reputation, the existence of centres and institutes, and significant investments in competitive funding programs. Several clusters and areas of research within the clusters overlap with two or more themes.

The Queen’s community recently discussed the thematic focus at a town hall. Further discussions will occur with members of the research community before Dr. Liss presents the SRP to Senate in April.

Visit the SRP blog to view the draft and offer feedback.