1. Social Sciences Research Initiative (SSRI) June 19, 2012 Prem S. Paul Vice Chancellor for Research & Economic Development

2. Social Sciences Research Initiative (SSRI) Office of Research & Economic Development June 19, 2012

3. Long-Term Goals: 1)Enhance research excellence in the social sciences 2)Enhance competitiveness for extramural funding in the social sciences 3)Enhance collaborations between social scientists and natural scientists to solve societal challenges

4. Task Force Members: Co-Leaders: John Anderson David Hansen Kimberly Tyler Members: Rick Bevins Peter Calow Carolyn Edwards Helen Raikes Kevin Smith

5. Expected Outputs: 1)Vision and roadmap for a “Big Idea” for the Social Science Research Initiative, including: -A small number of initial thematic areas where UNL has a niche of unique strengths and can become a national leader with additional investments

6. Roadmap Includes: 1)Gaps and priority needs in: -faculty expertise (content or technical), -infrastructure, -resources, -other? 2)Plans to elevate UNL strengths to national leadership and national recognition

7. Big 10 Schools – Social Science Research Centers / Institutes 1) University of Michigan – one of the leaders in SSR. Other schools look to them for models/ideas. They have five centers within their institute. 2) Penn State University – also well-known for their SSRI. They have four institutes and centers. -These centers/institutes are continuously evolving and adding next initiatives. The different centers/institutes strive to create a collaborative environment.

8. Task Force Discussion: 1)Initial Themes 2)Current Resources 3)Current/Developing Programs (see handout on tables)

9. Potential Next Steps: 1)Survey of faculty and chairs regarding current strengths, needs, and possible themes 2)Open Forums to gather faculty input 3)Email listserv to communicate 4)Social Science Research Initiative webpage on ORED website

10. Timeline: 1)November Research Fair 2012: external speakers with expertise and national recognition in social science research centers 2)April Research Fair 2013: discuss first draft of roadmap

11. What do you think? What are your ideas? How can this project move forward? What “themes” are important? What are the needs? Social Sciences Research Initiative:

12. ©2012 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska Thank you! Social Sciences Research Initiative