UW–Madison Launches Strategic Planning Initiative to Shape the Future of Research

UW–Madison Launches Strategic Planning Initiative to Shape the Future of Research

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) has launched a comprehensive strategic planning process aimed at ensuring the UW–Madison remains at the forefront of research excellence. This effort is designed to define a forward-looking vision that leverages the university’s strengths, aligns with emerging opportunities, and fosters an environment that supports innovation and discovery.

“To maintain and enhance our leadership in research, we must be proactive and intentional,” says Dorota Brzezinska, vice chancellor for research. “This is a critical time to reflect, reimagine and realign our efforts to meet the evolving needs of our campus, our partners, our state and the nation. This bold new initiative will help us chart a strategic direction for our research enterprise, recognizing that we are at a pivotal moment marked by both unprecedented opportunity and growing fiscal pressures.”

To guide this transformative process, the OVCR has partnered with Urban Impact Advisors (UIA), a nationally recognized firm with deep expertise in higher education strategy and organizational transformation. UIA will lead the development of a strategic guidance document and an implementation framework, both informed by extensive input from internal and external stakeholders. These deliverables are expected in late 2025.

The planning process will focus on three key priorities:

• Anticipating Future Research Needs: Ensuring that support systems and resource allocations evolve in step with changing trends and expectations.
• Envisioning a Sustainable Research Enterprise: Defining the infrastructure, partnerships, staffing, and investments needed to thrive amid constrained budgets and increasing competition for funding.
• Fostering an Aligned and Impact-Oriented Culture: Enhancing internal operations to reduce duplication, improve services, and promote innovation in line with the Wisconsin Idea.

“With this initiative, the OVCR will be better positioned to anticipate trends, address challenges and maximize growth opportunities,” says Mark Rickenbach, project lead and interim associate vice chancellor for research policy and integrity. “Stakeholder engagement, both inside and outside the organization, to ensure multiple perspectives inform how we move forward.”

The OVCR encourages the campus community to stay engaged and participate in shaping the future of research at the UW–Madison. Updates and opportunities for involvement will be shared throughout the planning process.

“This is not just about planning for today,” says Brzezinska. “It’s about building a resilient, adaptive research enterprise that can lead for decades to come. With this project, we’re building on the Wisconsin Idea and creating a foundation for continued excellence and innovation.”

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