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Research Engagement

UT is the state’s flagship R1 land-grant university. Research can serve as an invitation for external stakeholders to engage in true partnerships with the university and move along the engagement continuum. We need a greater emphasis on aligning our research strengths and mission with real and positive changes in the broader community. Translating our research into how it can benefit society is important to improve the public’s capacity to make informed decisions on issues vital to the health and wellbeing of Tennessee and beyond.

Inform, consult, involve, collaborate, and empower

OCEO provides support, resources, and competitive funding for engaged scholars. Our office will work with you on all phases of your community engaged research activities. Additionally, we partner with other UT offices to provide the following:

During the proposal stage, OCEO and Research Development staff help you conceptualize research engagement activities that are integrated into your proposal, and assist you in crafting an impacts statement that clearly and effectively communicates your vision. Once your proposal is funded, advising and consulting on implementation, compliance, assessment and dissemination of results related to the engagement activities.

Undergraduate Research & Fellowships assists students in finding community-based research opportunities during the academic year and summer breaks. They also host summer research programs, programs for community college students, and host EURēCA, an annual undergraduate research exhibition.

Pre-College Excellence Programs (PREP) works with area schools to offer hands-on activities, mentoring, connections to internships, and research-related summer camp opportunities. Faculty and staff may also serve as judges for the Southern Appalachia Science and Engineering Fair (SASEF); serve as judges for the Tennessee Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium (TJSHS); or volunteer with the Governor’s School for Sciences and Engineering, held at UT each June.

The Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development provides training and mentoring to ensure graduate student and postdoc success in research. Throughout the academic year, ORIED provides Broader Impacts training for those applying for NSF funding.