UTM’s scholars generate world-class research outputs, lead multidisciplinary and public-facing collaborations, and shape cross-divisional initiatives that expand the University’s scope and impact. Our researchers leverage their discoveries to take on pressing challenges and make the world a better place. So, the OVPR seeks to promote this research discovery, to effect positive change, and to elevate UTM’s standing as a research-intensive institution — one that’s both of and for Mississauga and that lifts up our region and our world.
To achieve the goals of our office and to enact the campus-wide priorities outlined in UTM’s Strategic Framework, the OVPR is committed to our ongoing work in the following areas:
- Collaborating with units across our campus and the University at large;
- Enhancing our core facilities and enabling unique experimentation on the UTM campus;
- Building out our strategy and supports for strong external partnerships and research-based entrepreneurship;
- Designing effective internal funding programs that give researchers a head start when applying for external funding competitions;
- Answering research-specific calls to action from U of T's anti-oppression groups — e.g., Truth and Reconciliation Committee, the Anti-Black Racism Task Force, and the Anti-Asian Racism Working Group;
- Enabling inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research related to sustainability, and being a collaborative partner with UTM's Sustainability Office, supporting research goals outlined in their strategic plan;
- Encouraging the next generation of diverse research leaders, including by promoting our Postdoctoral Fellowship Award program with a focus on equitable recruitment, retention, and growth;
- Empowering our faculty and staff, providing them with mentorship and ongoing professional development;
- Evolving our model of staff support to advance priorities of our research community; and,
- Expanding communications efforts to showcase the work, scope, and impact of our diverse research community.
With these priorities in mind, the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research Strategic Framework is built on five pillars:
- Strengthen Capacity
- Equip Trainees
- Empower People
- Cultivate Partnerships
- Share Knowledge
These pillars are non-hierarchical, working in synergy to advance the larger research goals of the University of Toronto Mississauga. They guide our thinking, our actions, and our interactions, and reflect UTM’s principles as a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative institution of higher learning.
Each pillar is made up of the Goals we will set out to achieve. The correlating Actions outline the approaches we are taking to meet each goal. A set of Outcomes indicates the ways we will measure and track our progress.
The framework is underpinned by two strategic enablers that steer our decision-making:
- Embed inclusivity as a core value: We will strive to make equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigeneity, and accessibility essential components of how we define and foster excellence, both in scholarship and project outcomes.
- Integrate data and analytics as drivers: We will intentionally collect, document, analyze, and track outcome metrics that will guide us on how best to deploy our resources, and will work collaboratively with teams across the university that engage in research data management.
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