Northwestern Faculty Share Future Research Technology Needs
November 2007
Ever wonder what new technology will affect our academic and research efforts in 2020? To find out, Northwestern University Information Technology (NUIT) invited several forward-thinking Northwestern faculty to discuss the changing nature of research and how the University’s research environment will be prepared to continue to support and encourage future research efforts.
The University Committee on Information Technology (UCIT) sponsored a year-long Vision 2020 initiative to assess long-term technology needs in support of research, scholarly, and creative activity at Northwestern University through the year 2020. A new shared data center, technical staff with domain research support experience, and a new research innovation center were just some of the recommendations that came out of three technology-focused advisory sessions with UCIT.
Complete results and next steps have been complied in the Vision2020 Report, outlining the minimum requirements for a research university and the essential steps for Northwestern faculty to remain competitive. These requirements are not just specific to high-tech science and engineering, but are strategic to the University remaining competitive as disciplines evolve and new challenges are identified to expand knowledge and improve the quality of life.
The first step has already begun, as NUIT recently formed the Research and Administrative Computing Committee (RACC), bringing together faculty and administrative staff whose research needs or administrative responsibilities bring the necessary expertise to address the technology needs outlined in the Vision2020 Report. RACC will spend the next five years focusing on research in computational chemistry, nano-sciences, complexity studies, neuroscience and other challenging research areas where processing, storage, networking, and dedicated staff support will yield important benefits to the University’s standing.
Visit the Research and Administration Computing Committee Web page for additional information, and read more about the Vision2020 Report.
