Goal: Our research is driven by the pursuit of discovery, innovation and knowledge dissemination. This in turn strengthens the evidence base supporting our clinical, educational and service missions. To optimize our research and scholarship we prioritize collaboration and broad dissemination of our work.
Objective 1
Expand collaboration to accelerate innovation, productivity and impact.
Rationale: A thriving research enterprise requires the collective efforts of a broad interdisciplinary community, leveraging the unique strengths of everyone in the UFCD community. Enhancing collaboration and team science promotes creativity, accelerates discovery and ensures broader impact. By investing in people and relationships, UFCD can sustain its position as a leader in research.
Implementation Strategies
a. Increase recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty to lead our research programs.
b. Build on existing or new programs to expand collaborations within and outside the college, academic health center and university.
c. Incentivize team science and interdisciplinary collaboration by incorporating relevant metrics into evaluations and promotions.
d. Encourage efforts to support a broad array of methodologies and types of research such as clinical, public health and health service.
Objective 2
Broaden research participation and extramural funding sources to sustain long-term growth of the UFCD research enterprise.
Rationale: UFCD generates and disseminates knowledge relevant to oral, craniofacial and systemic health by supporting and conducting outstanding research and scholarship. To ensure the long-term viability of our research enterprise, we will expand the types of science and scholarly work we pursue and seek new sources of
extramural funding.
Implementation Strategies
a. Expand the seed grant program to incentivize grant applications to funding agencies beyond NIH and support research/scholarship of clinical and teaching faculty.
b. Provide support to the Dental Clinical Research Unit to expand NIH- and industry-supported research.
c. Engage more clinical and teaching faculty in research and team science, creating opportunities to participate in research through new and existing programs and by providing protected time for research/scholarship.
d. Support innovative research methods and questions leveraging new technology and collaborations with investigators outside of UFCD.
Objective 3
Facilitate a coordinated dissemination and communication strategy to enhance the impact and visibility of UFCD research.
Rationale: UFCD conducts outstanding basic science, clinical, translational and public health research. Concerted dissemination and communication efforts are needed to amplify the local, national and international impact and visibility of our research among scientific and general communities.
Implementation Strategies
a. Expand support and travel incentives for UFCD faculty and trainees to present their work via conferences, seminars, research retreats and community-based events.
b. Enhance communication about UFCD research through the UFCD website, social media and other forms of digital communication, such as UF marketing and media outreach.