What is RLI?
“The Research Leadership Institute has been an incredibly useful experience for me. Program coordination has been impeccable, and the opportunity to interact with faculty colleagues from other colleges has been a real pleasure.”
— Oliver Schilke, ’22-‘23 RLI Fellow from Eller College of Management
“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
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 research leadership retreat will guide you through an in-depth exploration of your leadership strengths and how to apply them in collaborative research and scholarship efforts. Topics will include emotional intelligence, team science theory and practice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, team building and management, communication, and setting strategic goals.
November | Lodge on the Desert
Essentials of Agile Project Management for Team-Based Research
Facilitated by the AtKisson Training Group, this session will cover the theory and application of agile project management in the context of research and scholarly initiatives. You will learn how to manage scope, delegate tasks, provide appropriate oversight, select the right project management tools, and set your team up for success.
January | Lodge on the Desert
External Engagement: Communities, Foundations, and Industry
Learn from established research leaders about engaging with community partners, non-federal funding entities, and industry. Gain insights into strategic career advancement and funding opportunities, including honors, awards, and alums/benefactor relations. Discover how to leverage the U of A entrepreneurial ecosystem to protect your work and turn your ideas into real-world applications.
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, will cover strategies and best practices for identifying staffing needs, interviewing, hiring, mentoring, and resolving conflicts. You’ll develop the skills needed to lead diverse, effective teams and foster work cultures that empower your people and research to thrive.
April | Lodge on the Desert
Closing Celebration: Putting It All Together
Celebrate the completion of the RLI by sharing your 10-year research/scholarship plan and goals for your capacity-building activity with your cohort peers. The evening reception will mark the end of RLI, and you and your family will have the opportunity to celebrate with U of A senior leadership.