Be part of an immersive experience in research communication, inclusion, and public trust.
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Academy Overview
The SUNY Research Leadership Academy is a year-long faculty development program that develops leadership and communication skills among mid- and senior-level STEMM faculty throughout the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Led by Stony Brook University, the Academy empowers faculty to strengthen SUNY's research enterprise by engaging the public, driving innovation, and championing inclusion across STEMM fields.
This system-wide initiative will select up to 30 participants from across SUNY's 64 campuses. Through hands-on training, faculty will be equipped with tools and strategies to advance collaboration across STEMM, enhance audience-centered communication, and amplify their research in and beyond SUNY.
A key feature of the Academy is the integration of the Alda Method®, a leading communication framework developed by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, which works closely with the School of Communication and Journalism at Stony Brook University.
Participants are expected to attend four in-person meetings in New York (September 17-19, 2025; November 5-7, 2025; and two meetings in Spring 2026, dates TBD). They should engage fully in year-long programming, which includes a combination of virtual and in-person experiences, and implement strategies to strengthen their research leadership. Participants are also expected to champion research communication and inclusive excellence in leadership, and design and lead a collaborative project that reflects the Academy's strategic priorities.
Program Highlights
Research leaders participating in the Academy will take part in the following immersive experiences:
- Four in-person meetings throughout the academic year
- Virtual sessions focused on inclusive leadership, research strategy, and communication
- Project-based collaboration to advance equity and public engagement
- Hands-on training in the Alda Method® to build audience-centered communication skills
- Peer network opportunities among SUNY STEMM faculty
Institutional Support
Each participant must be endorsed by their campus, which commits $5,000 plus travel expenses to support full participation in the Academy.
The letter of endorsement should speak to the faculty member's research presence on campus and contributions to campus culture, as well as their alignment to the institution's research strengths and potential to help advance them.
Who Should Apply
The Academy seeks applications from researchers throughout the SUNY system. Please note the following qualifications:
- Full-time SUNY faculty in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, or Medicine (STEMM) and/or STEMM adjacent fields.
- Associate Professor or Full Professor (or equivalent; tenured and non-tenure stream faculty are all welcome to apply).
- Highly active in research with a current track of productivity as evidenced by publications, grants (funded or in application), mentorship of graduate students and/or postdoctoral researchers, and or other markers of research excellence.
How to Apply
Applications are open. Candidates will submit a CV, personal statement, and institutional support letter through our Google Form link. The application is due by August 15, 2025.
Contact: research_academy@stonybrook.edu
Program begins: September 2025