ESF 'Discovery Challenge' Proposals Emerge

01/14/2019

Seventeen cross-disciplinary teams from across the ESF campus presented their ideas Jan. 8 on innovative ways to define the college's future.

Participating in the ESF Discovery Challenge, the faculty members shared pre-proposals in rapid-fire fashion before an enthusiastic audience of faculty, staff, students and administrators. Ultimately, three to five proposals will be submitted to SUNY for funding of up to $200,000 a year for three years.

The challenge was undertaken at the direction of SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson, who conducted a similar exercise at Johns Hopkins University. The proposals presented this month are part of an effort to identify cross-cutting initiatives that build on ESF's strengths, assets and partnerships to position it for future growth, enhanced prominence and funding streams, new working relationships and global impact. The Discovery Challenge also includes a working group focused on ESF's human resources and a group charged with mapping a pathway to a sustainable financial future.

ESF will seek additional funding for the priority areas, beyond what is made available by SUNY.

Action on the pre-proposals is coordinated by the Discovery Advisory Group led by a trio of academic leaders: Dr. Donald Leopold, Dr. Christopher Nomura and Dr. Timothy Volk. Full proposals are due to be submitted to the advisory group in February. Campus work on the challenge is expected to be completed by May 1.