Nebraska faculty and staff can participate in a strategic planning process that will lay the groundwork for achieving ambitious goals for research success outlined by Chancellor Ronnie Green and the Nebraska Commission of 150.

The Office of Research and Economic Development is hosting listening sessions that begin Feb. 1 and continue through March 8.

Feedback will help shape and guide the university’s efforts to grow and enhance research, scholarship, creative activity and economic development through 2025, said Bob Wilhelm, vice chancellor for research and economic development.

The 2012 strategic planning process — the Research and Economic Development Goals Initiative — paved the way for Nebraska to reach the milestone of $300 million in research expenditures by fiscal year 2017. In his Jan. 15 State of the University address, Green announced the next benchmark: to approach $450 million in research expenditures by 2025.

Additionally, the N150 Commission has outlined a vision that includes: building basic research and creative work that has global reach; building translational research that yields partnerships for public well-being and economic growth; undertaking grand challenges that transcend disciplines and achieve critical breakthroughs in key areas; surpassing the top 50 U.S. research universities in research opportunities for graduate students and postdocs; having each college conduct community-based research; and expanding public-private partnership internships for students.

The Office of Research and Economic Development is hosting general open-topic sessions, plus sessions focused on specific research strategies and the office’s programs, services and resources. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

The schedule includes:

Feb. 1

11 a.m. to noon — Interdisciplinary research centers and shared resource facilities, Prem S. Paul Research Center, Room 152.

1 to 2 p.m. — Networking and team building opportunities, Paul Research Center, Room 152.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Internal funding opportunities and access to resources, Paul Research Center, Room 152.

Feb. 8

3 to 4:30 p.m. — Open faculty/staff session, Nebraska East Union, Arbor Suite.

Feb. 26

1 to 2 p.m. — Session for faculty hired within the past three years, Nebraska Union, Heritage Room.

2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — Research training and development programs, Nebraska Union, Heritage Room.

March 7

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Industry research collaborations and technology commercialization, Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, breakout rooms.

March 8

10 to 11:30 a.m. — Open faculty/staff session, Nebraska Union, Colonial Rooms A and B.

On a date to be announced, an open session will be held in Omaha at the Peter Kiewit Institute, 1110 S. 67th St., Room 250. Schedule updates and registration information will be posted.