UMSI earns Catalyst Grant to enhance research development and support faculty

The University of Michigan School of Information is passionate about helping faculty create innovative research that helps build a better world. 

Through the Research Catalyst and Innovation Program from U-M’s Office of Research, UMSI will support faculty in research development through mentorship, group listening sessions, grant planning and research retreats. 

The goal of this initiative is to help faculty tap into their strengths and elevate their research with the help of a coach and peer support. 

“We’re excited to help faculty navigate roadblocks and really invest in facilitated research development activities,” says Becky O’Brien, UMSI’s director of research administration. “How do we help them navigate roadblocks? How do we help them plan? It’s all about providing a system of support.” 

The Research Catalyst and Innovation Program is part of The Office of the Vice President for Research’s goal to amplify research and scholarship across the university. 

UMSI’s research administration office will lead the initiative. Assistant director of research development and administration Jocelyn Webber will work closely with faculty on identifying and addressing challenges in the establishment of their research. 

“We’re excited to be able to expand more of the research development services at UMSI,” Webber says. “Our faculty have grown and this grant will allow us to facilitate structured group activities and one-on-one coaching.” 

The grant proposal was submitted by Webber, O’Brien and associate dean for research and innovation and professor of information Paul Resnick. 

“Jocelyn’s commitment to faculty success with their research proposals has been apparent for many years,” Resnick says. “This grant will help her build her skillset in coaching faculty on proposal development, and put that new skillset to use in conducting workshops and 1-1 coaching sessions with our faculty.”

Faculty can look forward to more details in the coming months regarding upcoming training and faculty retreats. 

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Learn more about research opportunities at UMSI.  

Read about the Research Catalyst and Innovation Program.