Research Exchange

Return to Agenda

Presenter

Colette Patt, Research University Alliance (RUA)

Co-Authors

Mark A. Richards, Rodolfo Mendoza-Denton, Page Chamberlain, Robin Garrell, Doug Rees, Ira Young

Abstract

The Research Exchange, developed by the California Alliance (initially 4 universities), represents a formal and tested mechanism through which scholars can expand their scientific network and broaden the sources of information about specific research, the frontiers and emerging problems in a given field, and pending openings for postdoctoral scholars and faculty. Participants benefit from joint mentorship, scientific collaboration, career development and guidance of advanced PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty at partner universities.   Within the first few months of activating the Research Exchange, 41 advanced students and postdocs applied to participate. Currently, nine universities have signed MOUs to participate in the Research Exchange.

The Research Exchange provides a structure for collaborative research around specific topics, with significant benefits. Participating in the Research Exchange provides opportunities for graduate students and postdocs to become better known to peers, faculty, and department and college leadership (i.e. chairs, deans) with whom they will interact as future applicants for faculty positions.  It boosts their confidence and expands their networks. We have found that such an established network can positively impact faculty commitments to graduate and postdoctoral scholars, reduce implicit bias, and extent into positive recruitment and hiring decisions. Because the Research Exchange is already operational and has been designed with scaling in mind, expanding to scale is the intended next step. This kind of exchange lends itself to application at other institutions, and we look forward to an opportunity to discuss and share our experience and the pragmatics of implementation.