Michelle Bresnahan

The Bio-X Constellation's vision is to establish an academic platform at Missouri S&T for interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary life science research, integrating engineering, natural sciences, and humanities/social sciences. A core objective is translating basic research outcomes into innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly through the Kummer Institute. The plan leverages existing strengths in areas like biomaterials, bioprinting, and TBI research, while identifying emerging fields such as health informatics and biosystem automation. Key actions include addressing gaps in biological expertise and imaging, fostering interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs, and building strategic partnerships to drive academic excellence and biotech entrepreneurship.

This document details the strategic direction for the Data Science Research Constellation at Missouri S&T. Its vision is to cultivate an interconnected network of researchers in foundational and applied data science, fostering innovative, transdisciplinary research. The plan outlines major goals including establishing a collaborative research environment, uniting diverse data science expertise, and positioning the institution for significant funding opportunities. It also aims to develop specialized subgroups, strengthen connections with existing research centers and the proposed Kummer Institute, and create comprehensive data science research and educational opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. The overarching objective is to build an agile research community at Missouri S&T that effectively addresses and leverages data science challenges across scientific, engineering, and business domains.

This Research Roadmap for Missouri S&T aims to redefine the institution's research vision and strategic direction. It is organized around eight interdisciplinary 'research constellations': Bio-X, Data Science, Infrastructure, Intelligent Systems, Manufacturing, Materials, Resources: Natural, Energy, Water, for Society (ReNEWS), and Training, STEM Education, and Workforce Development. The plan's intended outcomes include establishing Missouri S&T as a leading public technological research university for discovery, creativity, and innovation, and achieving R1: Highest Research Activity status with a goal of doubling research expenditures by 2025, by fostering a comprehensive research ecosystem.

This document outlines Missouri S&T's 'Roadmap to R1' vision, a strategic initiative to achieve R1: Highest Research Activity university status. Key objectives include doubling annual research expenditures by 2025 and enhancing Missouri S&T's position as a leading public technological research university for discovery, creativity, and innovation. The strategy, developed through a faculty-inclusive 'Research Roadmap' process, focuses on strengthening eight 'research constellation' areas: Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Materials, Intelligent Systems, Bio-X, Data Science, Resources: Natural, Energy, Water, for Society (ReNEWS), and Training, STEM Education, and Workforce Development. The plan aims to significantly increase research expenditures, doctoral graduates, and non-tenure track research staff in both STEM and non-STEM disciplines.

This research roadmap outlines a strategic direction for collaboration among industry, K-12 schools, and postsecondary education to address the skills gap through workforce development, training, and STEM education. It focuses on researching the efficacy of existing strategies, developing innovative partnerships and programs, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. Key areas include enhancing economic growth, providing policy recommendations for workforce development and STEM education, and expanding funding opportunities in non-STEM research expenditures. The ultimate vision is to cultivate a more diverse, creative, entrepreneurial, and skilled workforce.