Seungmoon Lee, an assistant professor of economics, raises his hand and asks a question at the luncheon panel about NSF grant priorities during Accelerate Your Research Week 2023.

Seunghoon Lee, an assistant professor of economics, raises his hand and asks a question at the luncheon panel about NSF grant priorities during Accelerate Your Research Week 2023. 

More than 175 University of Missouri researchers and scholars received tips on advancing their research and creative works activity with four days of inspiration and resources with the inaugural Accelerate Your Research Week.

The Nov. 13-16 event offered 20 workshops and panels, including one-on-one consultations and presentations led by 10 federal funding agency program officers, to help MU researchers and scholars charge their endeavors and develop the quality of their proposals and submissions.

The week’s cornerstone was a keynote by Nalini M. Nadkarni, professor of biology at the University of Utah and National Geographic Society Explorer at Large. Nadkarni addressed how the MU community could boost their public engagement paths by weaving them into their research trajectories.

“Throughout the week, we explored the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, the joy of discovery and the impact of research on Missouri and beyond,” said Susan Renoe, associate vice chancellor for research development and strategic partnerships in the Division of Research. “Dr. Nadkarni's presence was a testament to the significance of these ideals. Her work embodies the spirit of determination at the heart of the research enterprise.

“It was great watching the interaction, and we thank all of our guests and the MU community for attending and celebrating intellectual curiosity, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence.”

Nadkarni’s keynote address was sponsored by the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the School of Natural Resources.

Nalini Nadkarni, a forest ecologist at the University of Utah, talks about boosting engagement as part of your research path at the keynote luncheon for Accelerate Your Research Week.

Nalini Nadkarni, a forest ecologist at the University of Utah, talks about boosting engagement as part of your research path at the keynote luncheon for Accelerate Your Research Week. 

The week included program officers from the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Education, along with consultants on Department of Defense, Department of Energy and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency funding.

The week also connected researchers and scholars with university and Division of Research resources and support, including The Connector, eMINTS, Professional Development and Strategic Proposal Development Service (SPDS).

A group of geological sciences faculty led a panel titled “Art and Engagement: Making Geologic History Come to Life” about how they’ve used division resources to expand the scope of their community impact.

“After [the Accelerate Your Research Week] training, I felt compelled to reach out with a big thank you,” said Samuel Polly, MU Extension specialist and coordinator of the Pesticide Safety Education Program. ”You get the 2023 ‘Meets or Exceeds Expectations’ Award. … Not only was the information extremely good, but the stories, the engaging exercises and even the lecture were all great. I can’t say enough good things.”

The Accelerate Your Research Week webpage includes a collection of presentation materials from the week.

Accelerate Your Research Week returns next year Nov. 18-22, 2024.

Joe Griffin — a program analyst in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies — talks with Rebecca Shearman — program director at NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. She spoke about NSF priorities as part of the luncheon panel during Accelerate Your Research Week 2023.

Joe Griffin — a program analyst in the School of Information Science & Learning Technologies — talks with Rebecca Shearman — program director at NSF's Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. In the background is Karen Cone, science advisor in the Office of the Assistant Director, Biological Sciences Directorate at the NSF and former MU faculty member.