What is RLI?

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What is RLI?

The Research Leadership Institute (RLI) is a cohort-based faculty development program that equips participants to lead team-based research and scholarship projects. The program engages early and mid-career academics from every college in seven sessions throughout the academic year.

Commitment to Whole Person Development:

RLI focuses on long-term faculty success through the development of the whole person, emphasizing self-discovery through empathetic individual and group reflection, mentoring and training by established research leaders, and meaningful collaboration. 

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“The Research Leadership Institute has taught me that there are different ways to be a leader, different styles of leadership, and all sorts of different things that are viewed as leadership. This was really valuable to me because, before, I never considered myself as a leader, but now I do.”

— Arum Park, ’24-‘25 RLI Fellow from the College of Humanities

 

 

 

“RLI secured mentors to guide our progress and to go over ten-year plans. I was connected with a member of both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences. I was also connected with an unofficial mentor who serves as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. As part of RLI, I learned about what path I should explore to reach my full potential. I’m very grateful for all of this help.”

—Judith Su, ’22-‘23 RLI Fellow from the College of Engineering

Judith Su at work

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

September I RDS Offices
Program Kickoff
Join your cohort at the Lodge on the Desert for introductions, an in-depth orientation to the program curriculum, and lunch with U of A senior leadership. Discussion topics include:

•    Leveraging the program to support your career goals.

•    Working with your external mentor.

•    Building toward your 10-year research/scholarship plan.

September | Biosphere 2
Research Leadership Retreat
The program will begin on the evening of September 19. Facilitated by the AtKisson Training Group, this immersive retreat will help you explore your leadership strengths and apply them to collaborative research. Topics include: 

•    Emotional Intelligence

•    Team science theory and practice

•    Team building and management

•    Strategic goal setting and communication

November | Lodge on the Desert
Essentials of Agile Project Management for Team-Based Research
Facilitated by the AtKisson Training Group, this session covers agile project management techniques tailored to research teams. Learn how to:

•    Manage scope and delegate tasks

•    Provide effective oversight

•    Select and use project management tools

•    Set your team up for success

January | Lodge on the Desert
External Engagement: Communities, Foundations, and Industry
Learn from experienced research leaders how to engage strategically with:

•    Community partners

•    Foundations and industry stakeholders

•    Non-federal funding sources

Explore how to:

•    Advance your career through honors, awards, and partnerships

•   Leverage U of A’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to translate research into real-world impact

March | Lodge on the Desert
Center Management & Team Development
Establishing and leading a research center or large collaborative project is complex. This session, facilitated by the AtKisson Training Group, focuses on:

•    Staffing strategies and hiring practices

•    Mentorship and conflict resolution

•    Leading diverse and effective teams

•    Cultivating a thriving, empowering team culture

April | Lodge on the Desert
Closing Celebration: Putting It All Together
Celebrate the completion of the RLI journey! Share your 10-year research/scholarship plan and capacity-building goals with your cohort. Enjoy a celebration with your family and U of A senior leadership to mark this milestone achievement.