Behind the Scenes of a Research Development Day

Abstract

Initiated in 2009 with a focus on early-career faculty, Michigan Technological University holds an annual day-long, centrally organized workshop focused on research development. The event has undergone significant revision in its 11 years of existence. This presentation and discussion will explore the creation, implementation, and evolution of this campus-wide, researcher-focused event. We will discuss event goals, planning strategies, lessons learned (both successes and failures), evaluation strategies, significant changes, and future plans. The overall goal of this session is to describe Michigan Tech's approach and initiate a discussion with attendees to learn from each other and share strategies and ideas related to on-campus, PI-focused research development events. The presenters also will give participants draft agenda frameworks that they have used throughout the history of the Michigan Tech "RD Day."