A&S Hosts Inaugural Research Summit
Sixty-five A&S faculty and academic leaders gathered Nov. 21 at the University of Virginia’s Special Collections Library for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences’ inaugural Research Summit — a half-day forum designed to accelerate the College’s long-term strategy for research excellence.
The event builds on the collaborative work launched through the College’s strategic research planning process implemented last year. Participants worked together to refine research priorities, assess current investments, identify emerging opportunities and shape a 10-year vision for a thriving research ecosystem across Arts & Sciences.
Christa Acampora, Buckner W. Clay Professor of Philosophy and dean of Arts & Sciences opened the Summit by emphasizing the central role of research in the College’s mission.
“Arts & Sciences not only generates knowledge — we shape fields, spark innovation and prepare the next generation of scholars and leaders,” Acampora said. “This Summit reflects our commitment to building momentum and charting a path to advance our strategic priorities.”
Sessions throughout the day focused on enhancing faculty support, strengthening grant strategy and aligning investments with areas of greatest potential impact. Representatives from Corporate and Foundation Relations and the A&S Research Team provided insights into funding opportunities and how Arts & Sciences can support faculty work to advance discovery and broaden impact.
Participants also discussed impact measures to track research progress and contributed to shaping recommendations that will guide future investments and strategic initiatives.
Sarah Kucenas, associate dean of research for Arts & Sciences, said the gathering highlighted the collaborative spirit that drives the College’s research culture.
“Our faculty are doing extraordinary work across disciplines and today underscored how powerful it is when we bring that talent together,” Kucenas said. “This summit helps ensure our strategy is grounded in faculty experience and aligned with the opportunities that will define the future of scholarship.”
The summit is expected to become an annual event, giving faculty a regular forum to help evaluate progress, refine priorities and share best practices.
Related materials, including key takeaways and planning resources, will be shared with faculty in the coming weeks as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and strengthen community engagement around research strategy.
“Our research strength comes from the creativity and commitment of our scholars, artists and scientists,” Acampora said. “By working together, we can build a research community that is globally competitive, deeply collaborative, and positioned for exceptional impact.”
