On Nov. 6, 2024, Chancellor Randy Woodson sent a 3D Memo announcing nine pilot projects to improve research infrastructure, which were implemented in FY 2025.

Recognizing the importance of fostering healthy growth and sustainable support, the 3D memo also established an executive committee of top university leaders to directly oversee the effort — ensuring effective implementation and continuous improvement by developing key performance measures.

The pilot projects were selected based on recommendations from three task forces, which gathered feedback from across the university. Each task force submitted reports to the chancellor, which were then compiled into a final report.

Major Milestones

Background

Three task forces — Sponsored Programs; Research Implementation; and Culture, Collaboration and Communication — gathered feedback from across the university. They worked to solicit input from a range of stakeholders, including but not limited to the Research Leadership Academy, Research Support Council and University Research Committee; all Associate Deans for Research; and the Faculty and Staff Senates.

The three task forces were ultimately asked to propose several pilot projects — spanning research administration, travel, human resources, communications and university culture — for implementation in the next fiscal year (2025). On June 30, an Executive Summary of all the proposed pilot projects was published.

The task forces solicited input from a range of stakeholders, including but not limited to the Research Leadership Academy, Research Support Council and University Research Committee; all Associate Deans for Research; and the Faculty and Staff Senates.

These reports identified issues and challenges in their respective areas of concern — and recommended several potential options to address the concerns.

How It Started

NC State’s research enterprise has seen enormous growth over the past decade. Year over year, the university has seen a substantial increase in sponsored research awards. While an impressive reflection on the strength of our research enterprise, this growth has posed challenges to our existing infrastructure and administrative processes; some services that support our research enterprise have not kept pace.

So we needed to consider new investments in people, processes and systems — especially with an eye toward supporting the research community and improving communications, training, the use of technology, and our organizational construct. While those who currently support research at NC State work diligently on behalf of our researchers and are committed to excellence, we must carefully review, evaluate and improve our provision of administrative services as our research enterprise continues to grow in size and complexity.

On April 9, 2024, three task forces were charged in response to these concerns.

The Three Task Forces

Each of the three task forces was given a specific charge — and asked to make actionable recommendations for change.

Task Force Members

Each task force had two co-chairs, who identified six to eight additional members — ensuring broad representation of both faculty and staff, as well as the many various organizations across our university.

Expert Advisors

The task forces sought advice from these experts as needed to understand how various processes and systems work across campus.